Western Railway (WR) is investing INR 176 crore to build a state-of-the-art centralized control room at Mumbai Central. This project will change train operations between Churchgate and Surat with the implementation of a new Centralized Train Control System (CTCS).
The advanced CTCS will replace the Train Management System (TMS). It will improve operations and passenger convenience. Currently, Western Railway can only monitor operations up to Virar. With CTCS, it will oversee the entire 267-kilometer stretch to Surat.
The new system will reduce the headway between suburban trains from 4 minutes to as low as 2.5 to 3 minutes. This improvement will allow more train services on the same network. CTCS technology enables real-time tracking of train movements, signals, interlocking systems, and track changes.
The centralised system will get rid of delays. It will allow controllers to respond immediately to technical issues. Routes will be set automatically according to train schedules, reducing workload and saving time.
The control room will feature a large digital map displaying the entire Churchgate-Surat route, including stations, rail yards, and other assets. Tenders for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of CTCS have been invited from international companies.
Passenger safety is also a focus of the project. The new system will also provide updates during disruptions. It will integrate with public announcements, passenger information systems, and train timetables. This will address the issue of lack of information during service failures.
Western Railway currently operates 1,406 train services, carrying 28 to 30 lakh passengers daily. The introduction of CTCS is expected to improve train capacity.