भारत के बुलेट ट्रेन प्रोजेक्ट में सीमेंस के सिग्नल पर क्या चलेगी जापानी ट्रेन ?

Описание: Indian Railways Bets on Siemens Signalling for Bullet Train: ETCS Level-2, 5G Integration and Dual-System Challenge Ahead

As work on the *Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train Project* gains pace, a crucial shift in technology has come to light. Though the corridor is being built entirely with Japanese funding and engineering, the **signalling contract has gone to German giant Siemens**. In an exclusive conversation with News Station, Pankaj Rastogi, General Manager (Sales), Siemens, revealed key insights and challenges surrounding this critical decision.

European Tech for a Japanese Track

Rastogi explained, “This project was initially conceived with Japanese technology and funding. But since it was getting delayed, Indian Railways decided to open the tender for global competition — Japanese, European, or Indian firms. Finally, Siemens was selected to supply **ETCS Level-2**, a European signalling system widely used in high-speed networks.”

He added that *India is using ETCS Level-2 for the first time* in any high-speed project. “This 508-km mainline will feature *Automatic Train Operation* and even **5G-based communication**, another first for India. Together, ETCS-2, automation, and 5G make this one of the most advanced railway projects in the world.”

How It Differs from India’s Current System

When asked how this system differs from those on Vande Bharat or existing tracks, Rastogi said:
“Most trains in India currently run **without automatic protection systems**. You might have heard of **‘Kavach’**, India’s indigenous safety system — it’s an equivalent to ETCS but still under development and limited deployment. ETCS, on the other hand, is a proven global standard. For high-speed operations, you can’t afford experimental systems — you need proven reliability.”

He clarified that in high-speed situations, the difference becomes critical:
“When trains run above 300 kmph, the driver simply **can’t see trackside signals**. That’s why signalling has to be inside the train cab. The system continuously gives movement authority, and if a driver makes an error, the train itself takes control and applies brakes automatically. Without such systems, you cannot safely operate high-speed trains.”

The Big Question: Can Japanese Trains Run on Siemens Signals?

Addressing a key concern, Rastogi admitted, “That’s a very good and challenging question. As of now, we’ve been told there will be *two types of trains — Indian and Japanese**. We haven’t yet received full technical details of the Japanese trains. It’s possible there will be **two parallel signalling systems* — Siemens’ ETCS and Japan’s own.”

He elaborated, “If Japanese trains can be equipped with our onboard ETCS units, they can run seamlessly. But this has never been attempted anywhere in the world before. If it doesn’t work, the fallback option is to install two independent systems — one for each train type.”

Rastogi noted that *Indian Railways decided not to wait for Japanese signalling* because the project had already seen long delays since 2017.
“They’ve already spent money for eight years with no visible outcome. Using ETCS now allows them to show progress — possibly launching the first section by **December 2026**. Waiting another five years for Japanese systems made no sense.”

Only Japanese Trains Run, What Happens to Siemens’ Setup?

When asked whether the Siemens system could be dismantled if Japan’s technology replaces it later, Rastogi admitted candidly, “Not everything, but yes — some components can definitely be reused.”
#BulletTrainIndia, #HighSpeedRail, #SiemensETCS, #IndianRailways