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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Major Middle East ticketing contract for Indra
    January 13, 2015
    Indra is to implement its contactless ticketing systems, access control and cell phone payment solutions for the new public transportation system currently under construction in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The US$314 million contract was awarded by ArRiyadh Development Authority (ADA), the company responsible for modernising Riyadh's infrastructures and also includes maintenance and technological assistance for ten years. Indra will develop an advanced pricing management system for the city's
    Read More
  • Meeting the challenges of smartcard fare payment
    July 4, 2012
    David Crawford monitors a growing trend in contactless smartcard ticketing The north east United States has become a hive of activity in the smart fare payment arena. In October 2011, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) published, as a preliminary to an imminent procurement process, the detailed concept of its New Fare Payment System (NFPS). Based on open payment industry standards, this is designed to be implemented on all MTA bus and subway services operated by New York City Transit (
    Read More
  • Wi-Fi win-win for mass transit
    October 31, 2014
    David Crawford explores passenger and operator benefits of on-board Wi-Fi Urban commuters’ growing demand for continuous – and reliable - internet connectivity is spurring network operators into the rapid installation of high-grade Wi-Fi access on their surface and underground networks, as well as in their stations. Such moves are often a key part of strategies to maintain and increase ridership levels.
    Read More
  • Etihad Rail issues tenders for phase two
    August 2, 2013
    Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, has issued invitations to tender for the first three contracts in the development of stage two of the rail network. The three invitations to tender, which were issued to all pre-qualified companies, are for contracts covering the design and build of new lines, including the lines between Ruwais and Ghweifat (137km), Liwa Junction and Al Ain (190km), as well as for the railway integration and systems contract, the company said in
    Read More

Highlighted Content