A cab signalling system similar to the European Train Control System and conversion of mechanical system to electronic interlocking in about 5,000 stations are among the measures proposed by the Sam Pitroda committee on modernisation of railways.

Constituted by the Railway Minister, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, in September last year, the committee headed by Mr Pitroda, is likely to submit its report next week recommending massive upgradation of signalling, tracks, rolling stock, stations and terminals at an estimated cost of over Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years.

Cab signalling system, the most advanced system prevalent in Europe, enables the loco pilot to see the incoming signal in his cabin.

Besides, the panel has sought to expedite the installation of Train Protection Warning System on busy lines to prevent accidents.

The other members of the expert committee include Mr Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Bank; Mr M.S. Verma, former Chairman, SBI; Professor Raghuram, IIM-Ahmedabad; Dr Rajiv Lal, MD, IDFC, and Mr Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback, Infrastructure Services.

The panel has suggested Rs 10,000 crore for investment in infrastructure in the next fiscal coinciding with the 12th Five-Year Plan.

Mr Trivedi has maintained that the existing infrastructure in railways has outlived its utility and there is a strong need for upgradation.

“The present railway system has outlived its utility. We are in some kind of Victorian age as far as the railways are concerned. Signalling is archaic. We have to take a big leap to embark upon a new generation,” he had said.

Modern signalling technologies

The Pitroda panel has recommended modern signalling technologies for maximising track utilisation and high speed operations with safety.

Acknowledging the prevailing condition, the expert group has recommended that there is a need for the government to spend Rs 5.6 lakh crore to modernise the railways. The 12th Five-Year Plan has already estimated an outlay of Rs 1.83 lakh crore.

PPP inititatives

Addressing issues relating to public-private partnership, the panel has estimated a total investment of Rs 358,315 crore for PPP initiatives, out of which Rs 302,315 crore would be invested by private players.

Setting up of locomotive plants, dedicated freight corridors, modernisation of stations and port connectivity are some major PPP projects of railways.

Since the railways is facing a financial crisis, PPP projects play a crucial role to attract private players. The panel has also envisaged energy saving projects through PPP ventures.

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