Thales wins safety systems award from Souther Railways

Southern Railways has awarded a signalling contract to French electronics engineering conglomerate Thales group for the supply of European Train Control System(ETCS) Level 1 solution, also called as Train Protection and Warning System  or TPWS. 

Thales is a French multinational that designs and builds electrical systems and provides services for the aerospace, defence, transportation and security markets.

This is the first ETCS contract awarded to Thales in India, and also comes as the first step in large scale modernisation programme of TPWS systems of the Indian Railways network.

The 66 kilometre-long stretch, the ETCS L1 system would allow faster running of trains leading to shorter travel times and increased line capacity. It would simultaneously optimise train security and passenger safety through its Automatic Train Protection capability.

Thales would deploy its ETCS Level 1 solution and would be responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of track-side equipment. It would also guarantee the interoperability of ETCS L1 track side equipment with existing on-board, non-Thales systems.

Thales is among the principal suppliers of train signalling technology and the global leader in ETCS systems, with an over 30-per cent share of the global market share.

According to the release, the company in India provides a wide range of urban transport solutions ranging from signalling to ticketing and passenger information systems.

In mainline rail, the company provides electronic axel counters throughout the Indian Railways network. The company has a presence across 56 countries and employs a 65,000-strong workforce.