Skip to main content

Kapsch supplies GSM-R solution to Saudi Arabia

Kapsch CarrierCom is to supply its GSM-R railway communications solution for a prestigious project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to ensure safe train operations on the 450 km high speed line between the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The contract, awarded by Indra and the Saudi Railways Organisation, utilises the latest technology based on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) level 2. The rail line will connect multiple urban regions as well as the international King Abdullah Airport. The
June 24, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
81 Kapsch CarrierCom is to supply its GSM-R railway communications solution for a prestigious project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to ensure safe train operations on the 450 km high speed line between the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The contract, awarded by 509 Indra and the Saudi Railways Organisation, utilises the latest technology based on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) level 2.
 
The rail line will connect multiple urban regions as well as the international King Abdullah Airport. The route features expansive stretches of desert with difficult climatic conditions and high temperature fluctuations.
 
To ensure smooth and safe operation of the line, a fail-safe architecture was designed with built-in redundancy, using four-fold network coverage, ensuring that if three base stations in a region fail, a fourth can still serve the entire area. The core based on the newest R4 technology provides full redundancy and will be operated at two different locations.

“We acquired experience with similar environmental conditions in a project in Algeria and we have already equipped multiple railway stretches with similarly advanced solutions supporting ERTMS Level 2 in high speed environment. We are particularly pleased that Kapsch can contribute to passenger security and comfort on the world’s most important pilgrimage route,” says Michel Clement, vice-president railways of Kapsch CarrierCom.

Related Content

  • GSM-R market coverage grows nearly 50 per cent
    December 19, 2014
    GSM-R has been used in Europe for more than ten years to provide voice and data communications for railway and acts as a radio bearer for train control messages. Mandated by the European Commission and supported by the dynamic railway industry in the region, the GSM-R system has established a significant market in Europe. Over the past few years the market extended to regions outside Europe including Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Led by Nokia, Kapsch CarrierCom, and Huawei, GSM-R track coverage
  • Siemens to automate railway network in Algiers metropolitan area
    December 23, 2015
    Siemens is to supply the signalling, safety and control systems for the 140 km long-distance rail network in the Algiers metropolitan area. The order will be carried out by Estel RA, a joint venture of state-run Algerian Railways SNTF (Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires) and Siemens.
  • Virgin Hyperloop links up with Saudi university
    November 15, 2019
    Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) is exchanging scientific and technological knowledge with King Abdulla University of Science and Technology to support the development of transportation in Saudi Arabia. VHO’s chairman Sultan bin Sulayem says: “Together we hope to spur the development of the regional technology and transportation infrastructure for a connected Gulf.” The announcement follows findings released by VHO and King Abdullah Economic City on the feasibility of creating a VHO Centre of Excellence, which
  • Dubai metro - the world's longest automated rail system
    July 31, 2012
    David Crawford reviews the recent opening of Dubai's Red Line. The US$7.6bn Dubai Metro, the Phase I Red Line of which started partial operation in September 2009, will be the world's longest driverless rail system on its planned completion in 2011. With a total length of some 75km, it will then overtake the 68.7km Vancouver SkyTrain and be able to carry over 1.2 million passengers on a typical day.