Invensys Rail Group (IRG) opened a new office this week in Bangalore to exclusively service their Indian railway business. James Drummond, President and CEO of IRG participated in a traditional ‘lighting of the lamp ceremony’ with Mr Praveen Kumar, General Manager and Mr Akhil Agrawal, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Division, South Western Railways and Raviprakash Karcherla Managing Director of Indian operation for the company.

 

IRG specialise in Signalling and Train Control System worldwide and have opened the Bangalore office, located in the central business district of Bangalore city, to focus on the business opportunities within the Mainline and Mass transit markets in India. “Opening a dedicated office in Bangalore is fundamental to achieving our business goals in India. We already have an ongoing dialogue with Indian Railways and I hope that this office opening underlines the commitment to both Indian Railways as a customer but also state authorities responsible for mass transit as an important market”. 

 

Chief guest Mr Praveen Kumar, General Manager, South Western Railways noted “There is no doubt that Indian Railway will be benefited of  a dedicated office here in Bangalore I am also particularly pleased to learn that much of the actual engineering will be conducted in India”.

 

The office will accommodate 25 people and the office will be equipped with modern IT equipment providing excellent connectivity with customers and other business units of IRG.

A consortium of Dimetronic Signals, part of the Invensys Rail Group, and Thales has been awarded the contract for the Madrid-Valencia high speed line signalling and communications works by ADIF (the Spanish railway administrator). The scope of the contract includes the signalling system with electronic interlockings, track circuits, ERTMS Level 1 & 2 train protection system and the traffic control centre.  It also includes the fixed telecommunications, auxiliary detectors, power supply, building construction and maintenance support for three years.  

Dimetronic will lead the consortium and will be directly responsible for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the ERTMS Level 1& 2 train protection system and the traffic control centre as well as a share of the maintenance activities.

Dimetronic’s share of the contract is €126 million (£100 million at current exchange rates) for the core signalling as well as a share (approximately £15 million) of the maintenance work when this new high speed line becomes operational.

Network Rail has awarded Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL), part of the Invensys Rail Group, the contract to design, install and commission the signalling and telecommunications infrastructure for Scotland’s Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link.

The line, which is being re-opened to passengers after over 50 years of closure, will bring considerable benefits for communities along the route by improving transport links for West Lothian and North Lanarkshire with Glasgow and Edinburgh.  Once completed, the line will be double-tracked and electrified from Edinburgh to Glasgow, providing a fourth passenger route between the two cities.

The £300 million project, funded by Transport Scotland, will also see an upgrade to the existing lines between Bathgate and Edinburgh by October 2008 and between Airdrie and Drumgelloch.

Commenting on the project, Ron McAulay, Network Rail Director, Scotland, said: “The Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is one of the biggest transport projects currently being undertaken in Scotland and will be a major boost in meeting the transport needs of local people, providing an essential link between Scotland's two main cities. 

“The project is set in the context of ongoing, major investment in our transport infrastructure and is a demonstration of Network Rail's ambitions to grow Scotland's railway, in partnership with the Scottish Government.

“We have worked very successfully with Westinghouse on a range of projects, most recently at Edinburgh Waverley, and we are looking forward to working closely with the team on this very significant programme.”

The key elements of WRSL’s work on the project include:

• modifications to the two existing Integrated Electronic Control Centres (the route will be controlled from Edinburgh Signalling Centre, fringing with Yoker Signalling Centre)
• signalling and alterations to support both the operation of the new double line and the new and altered stations
• the installation of three new Solid State Interlockings (SSIs), to be controlled from one of the new IECC workstations at Edinburgh
• the installation of full telecommunications systems for the stations

WRSL’s Regional Director in Scotland, Alistair McWhirter said: “Naturally, we’re delighted to have been awarded this contract and to be working closely with Network Rail to deliver a first class signalling and telecomms scheme. 

 

“Westinghouse has a great pedigree in Scotland, with a hard-earned reputation for the quality and performance of our systems and for the excellence of our project delivery.  We are now working towards the first key commissioning stage in October 2008 - for the railway between Newbridge and Bathgate.”

Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited, is to undertake major resignalling works on the Thameslink project, following the award of multiple contracts by Network Rail.

Westinghouse has entered into three separate contracts for project execution in the initial stages of the core area; this work marking the beginning of a series of signalling projects for the Thameslink development.  Concurrently, the company is executing the GRIP4 works of the programme, covering scheme development for all stage works of the core area.  Overall, the value of future signalling works for Thameslink is estimated to be in excess of £75 million.

In its entirety, this £3.55 billion programme will see new track, stations, extended platforms and improved signalling across the complete Thameslink route - the first phase of which encompasses the core area of the network, bounded by St Pancras and Blackfriars Stations.

Commenting on the announcement, Westinghouse Rail’s Managing Director, Alistair McPhee, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts, which are an extension to our existing Framework Agreement with Network Rail, secured in 2005. To be working on such a significant project, at the heart of one of London’s major infrastructure schemes, is a great reflection on the quality and commitment of our people, our products and systems.  We look forward to working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver a first class signalling solution.”

Phase I runs from 2008 to 2011, with final commissioning scheduled for completion in advance of the 2012 Olympics in London.

Westinghouse Rail Systems, part of Invensys Rail Group, has commissioned a WESTeX GCP3000 Level Crossing Predictor (LCP) system into operational use for the Finnish Rail Administration Ratahallintokeskus.

Following a period of shadow mode operation, the system was commissioned on 19 March 2008 for a full twelve month pilot trial at Skogby station halt, an existing level crossing site on the Hanko to Karjaa line, in the south west of Finland. On successful completion of the trial, it is expected that the system will receive full Finnish product approval in January, 2009, adding to the Network Rail approval which has already been received.

Finland has over 3,000 open level crossings similar to the trial site in Skogby, the majority of which are unprotected – relying solely on the judgement of motorists and pedestrians to stop.

The WESTeX GCP3000 provides a low cost, elegant and efficient solution for open level crossings such as these; the installation at Skogby provides motorists with both flashing LED units and an audible warning to stop at the level crossing in the event of a train approaching. 

The GCP3000 uses train detection functionality to operate level crossings in a fail-safe manner, reducing the amount of on-track equipment required to a minimum, whilst maintaining absolute integrity of train detection.  All that is required is a single unit at the level crossing, and termination shunts between the rails at the strike-in point.  Through the use of audio frequencies, the LCP is fully compatible with most standard forms of train detection, and provides a complete level crossing solution in one package. In particular, the system is compatible with dc, low frequency and audio frequency track circuits. 

Unlike traditional level crossing systems, the WESTeX GCP3000 is capable of predicting the time at which a train will pass over the crossing, taking into account its approaching speed, and therefore is able to provide consistent warning times, reducing the period for which the crossing needs to be closed and, therefore, motorists’ waiting times.

In order to fully comply with Finnish rules and technical specifications as well as the requirements of the safety case assessment, the Skogby trial installation required a number of modifications to the standard UK location case arrangement.

Of prime importance in the design was the need to allow for Finland’s harsh climate and extreme weather conditions - which can be as high as +30C in the summer, falling to -25C in the winter, accompanied by heavy snowfall.  To help combat this, the GCP3000 has been mounted on a raised platform to avoid the build up of snow around the location case.  The system was also designed for different day/ night conditions, such that the LED units are dimmed and the audible sound intensity is reduced during night operation.

Commenting on the application, Westinghouse’s Project Manager, Vince Dade, said: “Having fully proven its capability in shadow mode, we’re delighted that the WESTeX GCP3000 is now controlling the crossing at Skogby.  Whilst the trial application proved to be quite challenging, we have developed a robust solution that we believe will help  Ratahallintokeskus in applications across the country and look forward to continuing to work closely with the Finnish Rail Administration  as the ‘in service’ trial progresses.”

To monitor the installation and to carry out event logging, Westinghouse engineers are able to dial into the system remotely, through a GSM modem and antenna which have been incorporated into the Installed unit.

• Cash settlement of £95m from Bombardier following rescoping of work on the London Underground
• Around £180 million of continuing work on Victoria and Sub Surface Lines and significant opportunity to win rescoped contract
• Rail Group double digit revenue growth outlook unchanged and margin outlook improved materially through to 2010

Summary
As part of the arrangements being put in place following Metronet entering into administration last year, London Underground Limited (LUL) has decided to rescope the new signalling work for the Sub Surface Lines (SSL).  This has resulted in a cash payment due today from Bombardier to Invensys of £95 million and a reduction in the Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL) order book of £550 million in respect of work that would have been carried out mainly in the period 2010 to 2014.  This development has provided Invensys with a significant opportunity to win the rescoped contract when it is retendered in accordance with public procurement rules.  Invensys has the certified engineering capacity and the capabilities to meet LUL’s vision for the London Underground.  Invensys’ other signalling work on the SSL and the Victoria Line, representing around £180 million of revenue, is unaffected by this change.

Ulf Henriksson, Chief Executive of Invensys, commented:

“We view this development as a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to LUL and share a vision with LUL of developing an efficient solution that meets the needs of LUL and the people of London.  Our work so far on the SSL and Victoria Lines is on or ahead of schedule which demonstrates WRSL’s reputation for delivery.

“In addition to our ongoing involvement with LUL, I expect the Rail Group to make continued progress throughout its business with double digit revenue growth and materially improved margins over the next two years.

“For the Group as a whole, we have made further progress in the final quarter of our financial year and we remain confident that we have a sound platform for growth next year.”

Background and contractual changes
Following Metronet entering into PPP administration on 18 July 2007, Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL), part of the Invensys Rail Group (IRG), has now reached a series of agreements in respect of all its contracts with Bombardier, a member of the Metronet consortium, for signalling on the London Underground.

WRSL’s existing contract with Bombardier for work to install new signalling on the Victoria Line will remain with Bombardier and is expected to be transferred intact as part of the statutory transfer of Metronet in Administration to ‘new’ Metronet.  Work remains on schedule for delivery of the planned performance upgrades in 2012.  WRSL’s signalling upgrade technology (Distance To Go – Radio) was successfully trialled during engineering hours on 7 February 2008 and is due to be trialled during passenger hours in summer 2008.

WRSL understands that, in order to reduce future maintenance and driver training, LUL has decided to rescope the new signalling work for SSL.  As a result WRSL’s existing contract with Bombardier for SSL signalling has been rescoped and LUL has asked WRSL only to continue to work on changes to SSL’s existing signalling system to allow new trains to operate on those lines.  WRSL’s existing contract with Bombardier will be novated to Metronet and amended to reflect the agreed rescoping, resulting in a cash settlement due today of £95 million from Bombardier.  The revised contract will then be recommended for transfer to “new” Metronet.  The new contract for the upgraded SSL signalling will be retendered in accordance with public procurement rules and WRSL fully intends to participate in the future retendering which LUL has strongly encouraged it to do.  

The ongoing contracts are subject to the successful implementation of the statutory transfer scheme being proposed by the Administrator of Metronet, including approval of the High Court.  LUL has agreed to recommend the proposed transfers and a copy of a joint LUL, Bombardier and WRSL press release is attached.

Tim O’Toole, Managing Director of London Underground, said:

“I look forward to the successful commissioning of WRSL’s new signalling system on the Victoria Line and to the completion of its work on the existing signalling system on SSL and hope WRSL will participate in the re-tender of the signalling system for SSL.”

Disposal
On 31 March 2008, IRG sold its North American rail logistics business Burco to a US company, Railroad Controls Limited, for $31 million.  Burco was not core to IRG’s signalling and related systems operations.  In the year ended 31 March 2007, Burco reported external revenue of $128 million and operating profit of $5 million.  Burco will be treated as a discontinued operation in the Group’s results.

Overall financial implications
The cash payment from Bombardier to WRSL of £95 million will be treated as operating exceptional income in the Group’s income statement.   However due to the rescoping of the planned new signalling work on SSL and prior to the retendering of this work, WRSL’s long term order book will be reduced by around £550 million in respect of work that would have mainly been carried out in the period from 2010 to 2014.  IRG’s order book remains strong at around £700 million and IRG believes that there is a significant opportunity to win the rescoped contract for the SSL signalling system.

IRG expects that these changes to its contractual arrangements will have no effect on its expectation of achieving double digit revenue growth from continuing operations in 2008/09 and 2009/10.   With the disposal of Burco and improved sales mix, IRG expects a material improvement in operating margin during this period.

In November 2007 Dimetronic was awarded with a contract for the supply of ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment for 94 trains of the Madrid commuter network. This means a total of 114 Euro-cabin equipment for the 446, 447 and 450 series trains of Renfe Operadora – the 450 double-deckers including two equipment each.

Dimetronic’s on-board equipment complies with all current European standards, as shown by the thorough testing carried out at the Ministry of Infrastructure’s “CEDEX” Railway Interoperability Laboratory.

In December 2007, two new High Speed Lines were officially opened for Revenue Service, Madrid-Valladolid and Córdoba-Málaga.

Dimetronic has been actively participating in both projects, having successfully commissioned the Signalling system in the Madrid-Valladolid HSL and the ERTMS system – Dimetronic’s FUTUR, in the Córdoba-Málaga line.

The High Speed Line Córdoba-Málaga links these two cities through 155 Km at a maximum speed of 350 Km/h. Dimetronic has developed all the design and engineering for the line, installed 150 Lineside Equipment Unit LEU, 13 Centralized LEU Controllers and 879 euro-balises along the line and successfully completed all due tests for the system’s commissioning.

At the 195 Km long Madrid-Valladolid High Speed Line, Dimetronic has been responsible for the installation and commissioning of the Signalling system, supplying WESTRACE electronic interlocking, the ASFA train protection system, the Centralized Traffic Control and the Signalling system’s maintenance for the line.

These two lines are a turning point in the Spanish railway industry. Dimetronic, with over 600 professionals exclusively dedicated to railway Signalling and train control, has intensively collaborated with the Spanish Railway Administration ADIF and the other project participants, jointly adding to the success of this extraordinary achievement of the Spanish – and European railway transport.

The Ministry of Infrastructure awarded Dimetronic with the contract for the Works of Phase II of the Teruel-Zaragoza line upgrade, for a total €14,2M and 8 months of execution.

This Phase II adds to the Phase I already under execution by Dimetronic. Phase II includes two sections of line totalling 78 Km. The scope of supply includes 3 new Westrace electronic interlocking, the telecommunications system, FS3000 Jointless Track Circuits for the stations, axle counters for the main line, remote control at Fuente de San Luis CTC, in Valencia, and screened cables to avoid interference from the 25 KV ac catenary system.

The Teruel-Zaragoza line is part of the so-called Cantábrico-Mediterráneo Corridor. The line’s main objective is to connect both cities in less than two hours, at a maximum speed of 299 Km/h. A possible upgrade to ERTMS functionality is now being planned for the line.

On October 10, 2007, ADIF (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias) awarded Dimetronic with the contract for the “Upgrading of the Safety installations - Automatic Block, Interlocking and CTC, of the section Miranda de Ebro-Orduña in the Castejón-Bilbao line. Contract value was €19,4M for a total length of 50 Km of single line and an execution period of 24 months.

The scope of supply includes 8 new Westrace electronic interlocking, upgrading of the Miranda and Orduña interlockings, FS 3000 type audio-frequency Jointless Track Circuits, the remote control of Miranda’s CTC and the visualization of the line’s section at Bilbao’s CTC.

The main aim of the investment was to eliminate the telephone block – a major item within ADIF’s general Plan for the Network’s Safety and Functionality Improvement.

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) has strengthened its Indian operations with two major managerial appointments.

They are new Managing Director Raviprakash Karcherla and new Head of Business Development Alok K Sinha.

With twenty five years of experience in the Indian rail industry, Karcherla has led IRG’s signalling, aviation and process control business units from inception to today’s profitable ventures.

He was also instrumental in putting together the ALSTOM signalling team in India that delivered the 120 million Euro Delhi Metro Lines 1 and 2 project in a record time. Karcherla also set up the ALSTOM engineering design centre responsible for “driverless” metros in Singapore and Lausanne, plus the world’s first commercial ERTMS Level 2 project between Rome and Napoli for Italy’s high-speed line.

In addition, Karcherla has a long and successful track record of managing both large-scale technology transfers and the introduction of various high technology products such as bit coded track circuits to the Indian railways market.

For his part, Sinha brings 19 years of experience in the rail transportation and mass transit sector.

For almost a decade he was Head of Business Development, Sales and Marketing with Union Switch & Signal (now Ansaldo STS) and pioneered the introduction of advanced technologies such as electronic interlocking and ETCS on Indian railways. 

Sinha worked for GEC-General Signal Borehamwood UK on its Delhi projects in the 1990s and was responsible for securing the largest signalling and telecommunications contract ever awarded by Indian Railways.

As well as being one of the best-known faces in the world of signalling and telecommunications for Indian Railways, Sinha has huge project execution experience, including conceptualisation, architecting, installation, commissioning, and achieving Indian Railway product qualification.

Raviprakash comes from ALSTOM where he was their Signaling business unit Director in India since 2001.

Raviprakash has nearly 25 years of successful stint in the Railway Signaling, Aviation, and Process control sectors having led the strategic Business units from inception to becoming profitable ventures.

He was instrumental in building the ALSTOM Signaling team in India that delivered the 120 M Euro Delhi Metro Lines 1 & 2 in a record time. He set up the ALSTOM Engineering Design centre that provided the Engineering designs for the “Driverless”

Metros at Singapore and Lausanne and also world’s first commercial ERTMS Level 2 project on Italian High speed line (Roma - Napoli project). Raviprakash also has a successful track record of managing large scale technology transfers to India and introduction of various high technology products such as Bit coded Track circuits to the Indian Railways market.

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia (WRSA), part of Invensys Rail Group, has reached an important milestone in its Beijing metro line project. The brand new Line 5 has commenced its passenger service. This is the first SystematICS based Integrated Supervisory Control System (ISCS) in Beijing and it is also the first in China to have an ISCS operational on day one with a passenger service.

WRSA designed and commissioned the software and performed the integration testing and system commissioning. Line 5 runs through the centre of Beijing from the northern to southern suburbs and carries a dense passenger service running at 4 minute intervals. It provides a vital link with the existing lines 1, 2, 13 and also with the future line 10.
 
The Beijing ISCS will manage 22 stations, including 16 underground and 8 interchange stations. The line extends over 27.6km and includes 1 Depot as well as main and backup Operational Control Centres.
 
Incorporated within SystematICS is a powerful suite of functional applications integrating such subsystems as: Traction Power Control, Train Control, Environmental Control, Automatic Fare Collection, Passenger Information Displays, Public Address Systems, Fire Alarms and CCTV Security.
 
The system will be on a one year trial operation and will be used for the Beijing Olympics next year. Beijing Metro Operation Company (BMOC) and its local staff are operating the system on a daily basis.
This is WRSA’s first project with local partner NARI Group Corporation in China, with the Hong Kong MTR Corporation Ltd as design consultant.  It has demonstrated their ability to work with multiple external partners while coordinating works between Australia, Hong Kong, and Beijing.  The project has been delivered ahead of schedule and is anticipated to come in within budget when the warranty is finished in 2 years time.

A new report released today provides comprehensive independent review of the costs of different methods of increasing capacity in Road & Rail environments.

 

The Transport Capacity study, sponsored by Invensys plc and researched by Management Consultancy Credo, identifies those areas where investment in the transportation infrastructure will generate the greatest increase in the movement of people and freight in the UK

 

The results compare transport options on a people (or freight tonnes)/ hour/km/£m basis. This method is more transparent than more complex cost/benefit modelling, and reveals what many believe to be a clearer road map for the further investment on UK transportation systems.

 

Photo: Nigel Major VP Strategy Invensys Rail, presents Transport Capacity Report in London

 

 

 

 

 

The key findings presented at the press conference will cover both the Road and Rail environments and include;

 

- The factors that affect Road and Rail capacity now and in the future.

 

- An examination of the methods, together with their relative merits, that can be used to increase transportation capacity.

 

- Key findings that will clearly define those areas where investment in the Road and Rail infrastructure will provide the greatest capacity gain.

 

- The results are surprising and are sure to re-ignite the Transportation investment debate in the UK.

 

The Transport Capacity Research Paper used over thirty published sources to compare the costs and capacity increases provided by a range of real world transport infrastructure projects.

 

The information was also supplemented by interviews with people in government bodies, trade associations and companies within the various industries.

 

The information these sources provided was then analysed to compare the incremental capacity increase for every pound spent, measured consistently as [people per hour]/[£m per km]

 

You can read the full report for yourself here, or you can tune in to the highlights using the podcast player to your right.

 

http://www.ballard.co.uk/press_releases/company_releases.aspx?story=1015

One of the most effective ways of increasing the carrying capacity of a metro line is to install an automatic train control system. Barcelona Metro is currently piloting IRG’s TBS500 Driverless System on their Line 11, with a view to extending the technology to other lines on the metro network.

Train control systems can classified into different levels of automation depending on the degree of facilities that they provide. At a basic level there are automatic train
protection (ATP) systems supplemented with manual control.

Next, there are systems where automatic train operation (ATO) is implemented in each section of line between stations, but with an employee present in the operational cab in order to manually operate the train doors and to start the train. These are now considered to be semi-automatic systems (STO).

Systems where an on-board employee can leave the driving cab of the train in order to carry out other duties, such as dealing directly with passengers, are known as driverless (DTO) or unattended operation (UTO). These latest generation systems are fully automated

Line 11 of the Barcelona Metro is 2.15km long and links the districts of Trinitat Nova, in the outer zone of Barcelona, with the district of Can Cuiàs in Montcada i Reixac. It has a total of five stations - Can Cuiàs, Ciutat Meridiana, Torre del Baró, Casa de l'Aigua and Trinitat Nova. It is at this last station that it connects with Line 4 of the Metro Network.

Historically, this area of North eastern Barcelona had been difficult to access using surface public transport because of its hilly nature. The line consists of a single track, except in the crossover station of Torre Baró – Vallbona. The platforms are 40 m long.

The TBS500 Driverless System, supplied by IRG’s Dimetronic Signals, is an integrated automatic train control (ATC) system for underground railways based on the ‘target distance’ principle. It includes an automatic train protection (ATP) system and an automatic train operating (ATO) system. The equipment on board detects free blocks of track in front of the train. This information is supplemented with the known length of the blocks, and data relating to the track profile/gradients. A train can thus approach a block occupied by the preceding train without reducing its speed, up to a distance permitting it to brake before reaching the block occupied by the previous train.

The system opens and closes the train doors and also the platform doors.
The train is started automatically, runs on sections of line between stations and reverses at termini.

The employee on board the train is responsible for initialising the system, and may leave the cab during normal operation of the system in order to carry out duties involving passenger supervision or assistance. When the system was developed, consideration was given to several degraded modes in which the employee on board drives the train.

Line 11 signalling is controlled by Westrace electronic interlocks installed at the Trinitat Nova and Torre Baro stations. These Westrace interlocks have a dual hot stand-by configuration with a high degree of availability. The track is divided into blocks by means of type FS2550 jointless track circuits, which are used not only for detecting the presence of a train but also for the continuous transmission of coded signals (ATP codes) to the trains.

Passive balises , distributed along the track, are activated when the trains pass. They provide data permitting the trains to be located with maximum accuracy, an aspect which is absolutely essential in a ‘target distance’ system.

ATO track equipment is installed in each of the stations on the line. It is used for transmitting automatic operation information to the ATO equipment on board, including control data originating from the centralised control terminal.

In order to increase the high degree of availability essential for an automatic system, the ATP system on board has three independent channels in a voting "two out of three" redundant configuration. The ATP unit consists of three processing channels operating in parallel which check between themselves and enable the outputs as if a single equipment were involved. If any one of the three channels fails, the system detects this condition but continues with no reduction in performance.

In addition, the system on board also has duplicate ATO equipment and each ATO unit consists of one processing channel. In the event of an incident, the system switches (automatically) to the second channel.

On enclosed metro systems, the primary interface of the train with the public is as it enters a station. Driverless systems require station platforms to be modified and fitted with devices to prevent persons or objects falling onto the track. These include platform gates or screen doors (PSD). Opening and closing operations and synchronisation with the doors of a train must be controlled by the system itself.

Two-way train/track communications equipment is installed at all of the stations. This equipment ensures increased stopping accuracy at the platforms to ensure that the trains are correctly positioned. Train doors must be face to face with the platform gates. Once at a stand, the system ensures that the operation of the train and platform doors are synchronised.

The PSD equipment communicates with the ATO equipment on board the trains by way of inductive transmitting and receiving loops installed at the stations. Communication between track and train is achieved by making these inductive loops (one for transmission and the other for reception) coincide with the corresponding train antennas. The transmitting loops are longer than the receiving loops and, unlike the latter, have multiple crossovers for detecting the position of the trains and recalibrating distances. The receiving loops are short and do not have crossovers.

The receiving loops are arranged on the track so that the transmitting antenna of the train is positioned right in the centre of a receiving loop when the train pulls up correctly in its stopping position in a station.

As soon as a train stops correctly at the platform with its receiving and transmitting antennas coincident with the inductive transmitting and receiving loops provided for two-way train–track communication, contact is established between the train and the station PSD equipment.

The train ATO equipment transmits a command for the train doors to open and a command to the station PSD equipment for the platform gates to open. The station PSD equipment transmits a command to the relevant platform gate opening system, for the gates to be opened.

The platform gate system transmits the status of the platform gates (open or closed) to the Westrace interlock used to control the station. When the data received indicates that the gates are open, the interlock selects a suitable ATP code in the station track circuit in order to prevent the train from moving.

When the waiting time at the platform ends, the Westrace interlock receives the corresponding permission to depart and then selects the appropriate ATP code which indicates "track clear – permission to depart, but platform gates open". The interlock continues to prevent the train from moving, but lets the train ATO equipment know that it may, from that moment, give a command for the train doors and platform gates to be closed.

The train ATO equipment orders the train doors and platform gates to be closed simultaneously by way of the station PSD equipment.

The station PSD equipment transmits a command to the relevant gate system for the platform gates to be closed, provided that it receives the "track clear" indication transmitted by the interlock.

As soon as the platform gates are closed, the gate system transmits this information to the Westrace interlock and the station PSD equipment. The latter transmits this information, via the inductive transmitting loop, to the train ATO equipment which is finally able to close the train doors.

At the same time, the Westrace interlock receives an indication that the platform gates are closed. It then changes the ATP code of the stopping track circuit, thus permitting the train to start automatically from this moment once it has been verified that both the train doors and the platform gates are closed.

The modular design and considerable versatility of the Dimetronic TBS500 system is perfectly suited to the requirements of the Barcelona Metro for the operation of Line 11. This has enabled it to gradually implement various functions and degrees of automation in stages, moving from an ATP/ATO system with speed code functionality to a powerful ATP/ATO ‘target distance’ system that also permits driverless operation without interrupting the service on the line.

It was planned that the Line 11 system would be implemented in three stages. In the first stage, which had very strict completion dates and which was put into service in October 2003, the line was equipped with an ATP/ATO system with speed code functionality (the Dimetronic TBS100 system). At that time, the line was not equipped with platform gates. The employee on board the train was positioned in the driving cab and carried out tasks such as closing the train doors in a station and starting a train on its journey to the next station.

Reversing operations required at the terminal stations (Trinitat Nova and Can Cuiàs) were also carried out manually. The configuration of the Can Cuiàs terminus does not permit sufficient safe clearance for trains to enter in ATP speed code mode, and they therefore entered that station in manual mode.

The current second stage, in which the functionality was changed to a ‘target distance’ system, was put into service during July of the following year. This provides greater capabilities and permits trains to enter Can Cuiàs under the protection of the ATP system. In this second stage, as in the first, the employee is positioned in the driving cab, and is responsible for opening and closing the doors and starting the train.

Work has now begun on the installation of platform gates on the stations of the line. It is envisaged that, as the platform gates are installed and tested, they will be opened and closed automatically, and synchronised with the train doors by the system.

It is anticipated that the TBS500 driverless system will go into service at the end of 2007, as soon as the installation work on all the platform gate systems has been completed. The employee on board will be positioned in the passenger area, and the platform gates and train doors will be opened and closed, and the train started automatically.

Line 11 of the Barcelona Metro will become Spain’s premier reference site for metro line automation.

Notes to Editor:
A guide to the acronyms:

ATC - Automatic Train Control
ATP - Automatic Train Protection
ATO - Automatic Train Operation
STO – Semi-automatic Train Operation
DTO – Driverless Train Operation
UTO – Un attended Train Operation
PSD – Platform Screen Doors

 

WRSA successfully completed the wayside commissioning for the InterOp (WRSA and Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture) site on the NSW ETCS pilot trial (12 hours ahead of schedule!)  InterOp is one of three companies shortlisted to carry out trials of bespoke equipment. The chosen test bed is on the Blue Mountains line. It is the most appropriate section of track to road test ATP due to the hills, curves and number of train movements on that line each day. The line consists of 10km of double track railway with distributed relay interlocking auto sections and an electro mechanical interlocking at Katoomba.

Site work started in October this year. Lineside infrastructure has been installed during scheduled track possessions and one train fitted with on board equipment. The Blue Mountains line is an operational section of railway but it will be isolated during operational tests. InterOp’s European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment will operate in a monitoring mode, when it will be unable to intervene and control a train. During this monitoring period it will be mixed with normal operational traffic.

The InterOp JV is split with WRSA responsible for fitting out one of the three track sites and Bombardier responsible for one of the three trains to be fitted for the trial.  The other two trains and track sites in the trial are being equipped out by United Group (Alstom) and Siemens.  As the three trains are to be fitted sequentially, the Siemens train is the only converted train currently in service.

WRSA successfully completed the wayside commissioning for the InterOp site on the NSW ETCS pilot trial ahead of schedule.  The project scope included the design, installation, testing and commissioning of ETCS Level 1 equipment between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, 100km from Sydney’s central business district. Included in the scheme were  13 Parallel LEUs (Lineside Electronic Units), 6 Serial LEUs, 1 Centralised LEU Concentrator, 34 Controlled Eurobalises (supplied by Bombardier and integrated with our LEU specifically for this project by the JV) and 37 Fixed Balise (supplied by Bombardier).  
Under the gaze of the Client and key stakeholders, the Siemens train ran into Katoomba station across the fringe between the InterOp JV Level 1 section and that of Siemens for the first time since the wayside commissioning was completed earlier in the day.  The train was supervised by ETCS successfully across this fringe and all the way into the platform without any problems. This was a major interoperability achievement for WRSA and RailCorp. 
Needless to say the client's reaction has been very positive. 
All the wayside engineering for this project has been completed in Australia by WRSA Australian based design and project staff which means we now have a strong ETCS knowledge base to go forward with for a Network rollout in NSW should  RailCorp conclude that ETCS is right for them and also for other emerging opportunities in Queensland.  However it must be noted that this would not have been possible without the constant and excellent support we have received from Dimetronic's engineering and R&D departments.  Special mention should go to Maria Paz Mellado and David Baca who have work tirelessly to understand our requirements and promptly answer our constant "how does this work" questions which arrive in their inbox every morning. 
The Siemens train is now running over the remaining parts of InterOp and United track sites ahead of a 5 week period of evaluation tests. Following this, the InterOp (Bombardier) train will be commissioned for a further 6 weeks of tests, which in turn will be followed by the United train.  
So we have lots left to do and to some extent the challenges start from Monday, but today marks the completion of the most pressing stage of the project which has been completed in 6 months from contract award.
Many thanks to everybody who has contributed so much time and effort to make this possible.
 

 

Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia, part of the Invensys Rail Group, together with a consortium led by NARI Group Corporation has been awarded a contract for the supply of the first driverless Integrated Supervisory Control System (ISCS) for Shanghai’s Metro Line 10.
The Line 10 project forms part of Shanghai Shentong Metro Group’s railway network extension plans to ensure that expected passenger rail demands for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 can be met. The line stretches 36 kilometers from New Jiangwan Town in the North, to Hongqiao Airport in the South West.
The technology at the heart of the ISCS is SystematICS™; the software platform that will integrate all control and communication systems for the control centre, backup control centre, depot, substations and at least 28 underground stations.
The consortium’s tender proposal was awarded the highest total scores by an independent tender assessment panel using their SystematICS™ solution for integration, safety and performance in a metro control centre environment.

Invensys Rail Group (IRG) launches its newest division, Westinghouse Rail Sytems India, at the Expo Rail India exhibition being held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre from 16th to 18th October.

Charles Page, Acting Sales and Marketing Director from Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia said “the new company provides a direct local interface between IRG and its customers in India. It will enable us to significantly enhance our customer and technical support and provide our Indian customers with the expertise and resources from all the companies that make up the Invensys Rail Group. In tandem with our existing and successful signalling equipment distribution network the new office strengthens our commitment to India's fast-growing railway industry”.

Invensys Rail Group companies, such as Westinghouse Rail Systems, have been active in India since the early 20th Century, marketing products through a range of local companies and representatives. Now IRG is providing customers with direct access to its broad product portfolio, extensive manufacturing know-how and applications expertise through a team with strong knowledge of local market conditions. This combination of local hands-on technical support and IRG’s supply capabilities will ensure customers' needs are met more effectively.

“India is undergoing a very strong economic development, it faces many mobility challenges but also offers great opportunities to develop its public transport systems, that is why we established the Indian business” explained Charles. “With this new business and local staff, our Indian clients will receive stronger support.”

Indian Railways propose to spend 2.2 Billion USD on modernisation of railway signals, track and rolling stock keeping in view the transport needs during the next five years, which will not only reduce the unit cost but also provide services to customers at reduced cost. This was stated by Shri Lalu Prasad, Union Minister for Railways, while delivering the keynote address at the Conference on Building Infrastructure.

With freight and passenger traffic is expected to grow at 8-10 per cent per annum and 6-8 per cent per annum respectively, railway infrastructure needs to be in place to fully capitalise on the opportunity, and that is where the worldwide experience of Invensys Rail can help operators maximise capacity without compromising safety.

The new business will target the rapidly expanding railway markets with the proven technology that will help improve safety, increase capacity and deliver tangible improvements to operators of both mainline and mass transit networks.

 

Westinghouse Rail Systems (WRSL) has won a prestigious safety award for a safety management initiative that has led to a 45% reduction in first aid accidents in its Chippenham manufacturing division.

The award for the Best Achievement in Health and Safety for Manufacturing was presented by the SHP (Safety and Health Practitioner), the official magazine of Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Having been shortlisted from a wide range of national entries to just three finalists, WRSL’s Chippenham-based Safety manager Derek Boulton was delighted to receive the award from Clive Anderson at a ceremony on 2nd October 2007.

Derek’s behavioural safety monitoring scheme was built using experience gained in his wide safety career. It uses feedback from peer group safety observations to gradually change individuals’ work practices and safety behaviours. He designed a course specific to the needs of WRSL and trained 31 members of the workforce as observers. He is sure that much of the success of the scheme is because it is run by line management and the shop floor rather than by ‘safety people’.

James Drummond CEO & President of the Invensys Rail Group congratulated Derek and all those involved at the Chippenham facility. “This is a great achievement and won through effective strategy and delivery over an extended period of time.  It is wonderful to be recognised externally and it is a great example of how to turn effective safety management into a sustainable competitive advantage that provides a valuable distinction between us and our competitors in the eyes of very safety conscious customers.”

October marks a major milestone towards the successful completion of Invensys Rail Group's (IRG) Indonesian South Line Double Tracking (SLDTphase1) Project.

The last of ten stations was provisionally handed over and returned to service.  Yogyakarta station is a major station in Central Java and the last station on the SLDT Ph1 Project. The station is controlled by a Siemens Relay interlocking MIS 801 and was modified by our people and our Subcontractors to allow a double line connection from the other nine Westrace controlled stations.

The handover was particularly important to be completed early this week because of the annual Lebaran holidays (a time when most Indonesian people travel for holidays back to their original  home villages). Over 2 million people will move by train through Central Java over the next few weeks so Yogyakarta had to be back in service.

This final station handover is culmination of many, many years of hard work by all the teams involved with the Indonesian projects. This includes the teams in Indonesia, both local staff and expats as well as the local subcontractors, who have fought through tsunami, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,  bird flu etc on top of the usual difficulties of work in Central Java.

The support provided from Australia  by 'Team WMH' also should be singled out for special praise as well as all those who travelled to site from the signalling and control centres.  Rail blog would like to send out a special mention to the system trainers (who, by the nature of the on site training program, ate far more than their fair share of "Chicken and Rice").

In fact all those who have worked on and supported this very important project both in Australia and abroad have shown commitment, determination, skill and drive to see the design, construction and commissioning and handover phases successfully completed - well done.

It is expected that more works/projects will follow in Indonesia, furthering our commitment to the Indonesian Railways. We have maintained a full time presence in Indonesia since 1993 and hope to continue this successful relationship with Indonesia for many years and many projects to come.

Although this was the last station handover on the SLDT Ph1,  it is by no means the end of the project. We still have many design and site activities to conclude including the final connections to the centralised traffic control (CTC) systems.

Additionally there is a 2 years warranty support period, so continuing support will be required from many departments and individuals within IRG.

Chairman Indian Railway Board Mr. K. C. Jeina singled out Invensys Rail Group (IRG) at the Exporail 2007 exhibition and conference that was held in Delhi this week. The presence of IRG at the show demonstrated the commitment of the company to the Indian Rail market, a fact clearly recognised by Mr. Jeina.

Indian Railways propose to spend 2.2 Billion USD on the modernisation of railway signalling systems, track and rolling stock, so the Chairman’s visit was highly significant. Phil Ellingworth, Acting Managing Director for India commented, “We are working hard in India and have an ongoing dialogue with Indian Railways. Our specific interest is in the newly planned dedicated fright corridor and, of course, the new Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad Metro systems. ”

Charles Page, Director of Marketing and Sales presented a range of IRG products to Mr. Jeina but the Chairmen expressed specific interest in using Safetran Systems GEO as a low cost interlocking which meets the needs of the Indian market. GEO “fits the bill” as it represents  a competitive Interlock product without the hot standby facility of Westinghouse Rail Systems Westrace. Level crossing controllers such as Safetran‘s Grade crossing predictor and Solid state crossing controller were also of interest to Indian Railways in there bid to improve safety.

(left) Phil Ellingworth and Charles Page talk to Mr. K. C. Jeina Chairman Indian Railway Board

Exporail 2007 also saw the roll out of the new Invensys brand strategy, Stephen Holt, IRG’s Marketing Director said, “The exhibition provided a great opportunity for the Indian rail market to see the IRG coordinated brand strategy in action with Westinghouse, Dimetronic and Safetran all clearly represented on the stand”.

The future definitely looks bright of Invensys Rail for as the Indian economy booms so the investment in Indian Railways continues, providing a wide range of opportunities in both main line and Metro signalling systems.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 3.5 million contract to modify the ASFA national railways network train protection system currently in use on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line signalling system.

The original signalling system was installed in 1992 and now Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF wants to adapt the operational rules and functional aspects of the existing interlockings to bring them in line with more modern ones being used on other lines.

Under its contract, Invensy Dimetronic will modify the existing ASFA system within the next 18 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

 

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth nearly Euro 7 million to supply automatic train control equipment to Catalonian Regional Railways (FGC).

The equipment includes Westrace interlocking, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and the Company’s standard AFSA intermittent cab warning and automatic braking system. It is to be used on the 9.5 km Martorell Enllac-Olesa section of the Llobregat-Anoia line which is being double-tracked as part of an overall FGC railway infrastructure project. The project is due for completion in two years.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian Peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic lands signalling contract for high speed rail line in Ordes Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract for nearly Euro 5 million to supply signalling technology for use on a new section of high-speed rail line currently under construction in Ordes, Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures is renewing the main line between Vigo and Santiago-Coruna so that it can carry high-speed – up to 200 km/h – trains. Known as the Atlantic Axle, this project involves many new sections of double tracks and by-passes. The Invensys Dimetronic contract covers supply of joint-less track circuits and Westrace electronic interlocking for the new 10 km Ordes-Queixas double track section of this project. Delivery of the Invensys Dimetronic technology is due in 12 months. Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.   more »

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract for nearly Euro 5 million to supply signalling technology for use on a new section of high-speed rail line currently under construction in Santiago, Spain.

The Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures is renewing the main line between Vigo and Santiago-Coruna so that it can carry high-speed – up to 200 km/h – trains. Known as the Atlantic Axle, this project involves many new sections of double tracks and
by-passes.

The Invensys Dimetronic contract covers supply of joint-less track circuits and Westrace electronic interlocking for the new 15 km Santiago-Escravitude double track section of this project. Delivery of the Invensys Dimetronic technology is due in 10 months.
Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth over Euro 4 million to supply signalling equipment for use on line 5 of the Valencia Metro in Spain.

Operated by Valencia Regional Railways (FGV), Metro line 5 is being extended by 3.2 km from Quart de Poblet, via four new stations, to the airport. Under the contract, Invensys Dimetronic is to supply its Westrace electronic interlocking technology, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs) and automatic train protection (ATP) system. The company is also modifying FGV’s control traffic centre (CTC) and providing the company with track-train radio communications – together with supply and installation of the associated fibre optics. The contract is due to be completed within nine months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 6.4 million contract from Spanish civil contractor SACYR for signalling works associated with a new high-speed line (HSL) linking Malaga and Cordoba.

The overall project involves building an entirely new line in parallel to the existing one, together with extensive modifications to existing signalling systems. As part of the HSL, the Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures and the local council in Malaga have also agreed on the construction of a new rail tunnel near the city.

Under its contract, Invensys Dimetronic is responsible for modifying both the existing Westrace electronic interlocking system in Malaga and all the trackside equipment involved. This will be carried out in several stages in order to help with the overall project management of the civil infrastructure construction. The company will also be carrying out modifications to Spanish infrastructure administrator ADIF’s centralised traffic control (CTC) technology in Malaga.

SACYR is the main sub-contractor for ADIF on this project, which is due to be completed in 18 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 5.5 million contract to supply signalling works linking the new PLAtaforma Logística de Zaragoza (PLAZA) railway complex in Zaragoza, Spain, with the existing network.

Joining PLAZA to the network involves construction of the new Zaragoza Ronda Sur (by-pass) and the ALDESA-COALVI UTE has won this contract. A UTE is a temporary joint venture formed under Spanish law for a specific contract. The UTE awarded this contract to Invensys Dimetronic.

The project involves supply of joint-less track circuits and modification of the Westrace electronic interlockings included in both the PLAZA complex and the new Zaragoza by-pass. The project is due to be completed in 15 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Invensys Dimetronic lands major contract for Madrid Metro extensions

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 18 million contract to supply signalling equipment for two major extensions that are currently being made to the Madrid Metro (MM).

The first extension, MetroNorte, goes an extra 15.8 km north of Madrid to connect with Alcobendas and San Sebastian do los Reyes. For its part, MetroEste extends an extra 8.4 km eastwards to connect with Coslada and San Fernando de Henares.

In order to fulfil this contract, Invensys Dimetronic is supplying its proven Distance To Go ATP/ATO system which is currently in operation on lines 8, 10 and 12 of the MM. In addition, the company is also supplying ATO track-train bi-directional communications together with the associated Platform ATO Communicator (PAC) system needed at the stations.

The contract was awarded by MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government in Madrid. Delivery for MetroNorte is due in 25 months while that for MetroEste will take three months longer.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Dimetronic play key role in Metro de Madrid enhancement plan
 
During the period 2003/07 the Council of Transport and Infrastructure of the Autonomous Region of Madrid has implemented the biggest network enhancement in the history of Metro de Madrid. A total of 53.14 Km of heavy metro plus 27.77 Km of light rail have been constructed representing 80.91 km’s of new line.

Dimetronic, part of Invensys Rail Group, has been heavily involved in the Madrid Metro’s Enhancement Plan, installing the company’s Signalling and Automatic Train Control systems both in the heavy metro’s lines and rolling stock.

Westrace electronic interlocking, FS5000 Jointless Track Circuits and MD2000 electric point machines have been installed along with TBS 100 (Speed Codes) and TBS 500 (Distance To Go) Automatic Train Control systems in all 53.14 Km of conventional metro. This network has also been integrated within Dimetronic’s Centralised Traffic Control at Alto del Arenal.

Part of the enhancement plan included the acquisition of new rolling stock. The TBS 500 ATC system has now been installed by Dimetronic in 90 of the 3000 series trains and 52 of the 9000 series trains. TBS 500 allows trains to run in Distance To Go and Speed Code ATP functionalities – depending on the equipment installed track-side. These trains are now ready to be upgraded to a CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) moving block system. SIRIUS, Dimetronic’s CBTC system, works through a digital transmission radio system for the continuous bidirectional interchange of information between the line’s fixed equipment and the on-board sub-system.

A total of nine lines were awarded to Dimetronic by the contracting authority, MINTRA, in order to ensure the reliable performance of this ambitious Enhancement Plan. The number of km’s to be equipped within the project timescale of six months represented a real challenge and included the commissioning and opening for revenue service. Dimetronic’s particular focus was to ensure the seamless integration of the nine line terminals connecting to the existing lines, all of which need to be modified without causing service disruption.

Dimetronic’s proven engineering and project management skills coupled with a history of manufacturing excellence all contributed to the success of this project and satisfaction of the Madrid Council.

Project milestone dates.

•24-11-2006 - Line  5 (Canillejas - Alameda de Osuna), Length: 2,5 Km, New stations: 2

•18-12-2006 – Line 11 (PanBendito– La Peseta), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 22-12-2006 – Line 10 (new station - AviaciónEspañola)
• 15-01-2007 – Line 8 (new station - Pinardel Rey)
• 16-02-2007 – Line 2 (Ventas – La Elipa), Length: 1,6 Km, New stations: 1
• 30-03-2007 – Line 1 (Plaza de Castilla – Estaciónde Chamartín) and 11-04-2007 – Line 1 (Estaciónde Chamartín– Pinarde Chamartín), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 11-04-2007 – Line 4 (Parquede Santa María– Pinarde Chamartín), Length: 2,7 Km, New stations: 3
• 21-04-2007 – Line 3 (Legazpi – Villaverde Alto), Length: 8,7 Km, plus 1,2 Km to the Depot, New stations: 7
• 26-04-2007 – MetroNorte or Line 10b (Fuencarral - TresOlivos- Alcobendasand San Sebastiánde los Reyes), Length: 15,7 Km, New stations: 11
• 03-05-2007 – Line 8 (Barajas – Airport, T4), Length: 2,5 Km, New stations: 1
• 05-05-2007 – MetroEste or Line 7b (Las Musas – Olympic stadium – Coslada and San Fernando de Henares), Length: 12,4 Km, New stations: 8
• 16-05-2007 – Line 1 (Congosto – Ensanchede Vallecas), Length: 1,6 Km, New stations: 3

Invensys Dimetronic lands Madrid Metro contract
 
Invensys Dimetronic has won a contract worth Euro 7 million to supply automatic train control equipment for use on a new extension to the Madrid Metro (MM).

MINTRA, a company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is currently extending line 3 of the MM from 6.3 km and 11 stations to 14.9 km and 18 stations. The same company is also responsible for placing all contracts associated with the project. Under its contract, Invensys Dimetronic is to supply the Westrace electronic interlocking system, joint-less track circuits (JLTCs), and automatic train protection (ATP)/automatic train operation (ATO) Distance To Go technology. The company is also responsible for carrying out modifications to the control traffic centre (CTC) in Madrid. 

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

Major Madrid Metro contract for Invensys Dimetronic

Invensys Dimetronic has won a Euro 4 million contract to supply signalling equipment for use on the Madrid Metro (MM).

MINTRA, the company owned by the regional government of Madrid, is currently carrying out a three-year upgrade of the MM. This includes an automatic train operation (ATO) signalling system on five of the MM lines, the connection of four MM line extensions to the Alto del Arenal centralised traffic control (CTC) system and the connection of this CTC to the Metronorte and Metroeste lines. The upgrade also includes four automatic train protection (ATP)/ATO test tracks for the Canillejas rail depot. For its part, Invensys Dimetronic is responsible for supplying the track ATO system, ATP/ATO test track system and the modification of the CTC. Delivery is due in 10 months.

Based in Madrid and with facilities in Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Porto, Invensys Dimetronic is the leading supplier of signalling and control systems for both mainline and mass transit railways in the Iberian peninsula.

In all modern cities of the world, transportation needs are growing rapidly due to increasing demand generated by upward trend of international business relocations, swell in commercial activities, growth of tourism, urban development and increasing population.  Such success brings challenges which are common to many growing countries around the world. People demand more mobility in an efficient and safe manner. Capacity of existing transportations systems becomes rapidly unpredictable leading to frustration and restricted commercial expansion and success. With the ever increasing global expansion trend, the initiation of a rapid transportation infrastructure is a wise and timely action, one that will be reflected in improving the living and working standards of a country’s population and its commercial centres.

Planning and implementing such complex projects, at the same time as maintaining transport systems under extreme pressure is a task within the experience and expertise of Invensys Rail Group, a world class company.

It is a painful fact but every one knows how long it takes to get from the outskirts of Dubai city starting from Jebel Ali to Garhoud area and on to Sharjah on a Thursday evening on the Shaikh Zayed road; and with the unprecedented building programmes from Dubai World Centre, the Palms and the ever increasing developments, things aren’t going to get any better. Well at least not in the short term.

That is way the Dubai Road and Transport Authority are looking to expand the plans for the metro system to include lines connecting the vital parts of the city with convenient connections and interchanges that are sure to offer and provide a convenient way of travel.  If Dubai in particular and the Middle East in general are to continue to attract overseas investments, these transport infrastructure projects are a priority and an integral part of future successful blue print envisaged by the cities leaders

Recognising the importance of transport and Dubai’s leading position in being boldly the first in the Middle East to plan and start executing a world class Metro System, the Rail Infrastructure Conference naturally is being held in Dubai 4th & 5th of June

2007 and Invensys Rail Group are giving their view and highlighting the advantages of their tried and tested systems on how to solve these problems. 

The company’s products are at the heart of many of the world’s major railway and metro networks, with current projects including both major refurbishment programs, such as the London Underground Victoria Line upgrade, and complex new infrastructure schemes, including the Canada Line Rapid Transit Project in Vancouver.

The company’s work in Vancouver involves the implementation of a complete, Integrated Control and Communications System (ICCS) for a new driverless metro - the 19km Canada Line Project, currently one of the world’s largest green field infrastructure projects. This new, 16 station line, will provide an automated, driverless rail service, linking central Vancouver with the Richmond suburbs and Vancouver International Airport. It will be completed in time for the Winter Olympics which are to be hosted by the city in 2010.

At the heart of the ICCS will be Invensys Rail Group’s control system, SystematICS. This will manage the integration of each of the power, tunnel ventilation and communications sub-systems, including: traction power supply; electrical and mechanical monitoring; CCTV; public address; passenger information display; passenger counting; voice  communications and passenger alarm. It will also link to the fire detection, fare collection and unmanned train control systems.

The whole system will be linked by a fibre optic transmission network, covering the entire length of the line and will come together in a single integrated Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the Operations and Maintenance Centre Control Room. From here, the operator will be able to control and monitor all functions for the entire rail network.

Invensys Rail Group’s mainline projects in Spain and Portugal demonstrate how they continue to lead the way in the application of new, high-efficiency technology. In Portugal, Invensys Rail Group has built a mutually satisfying long-term relationship with the client on the basis of many successful SSI installations and new control centres for key mainline routes. In Spain, their pioneering work on the ERTMS pilot scheme between Madrid and Valencia has resulted in a major commission to supply, install, implement and maintain FUTUR ERTMS solutions on a new high speed line from Cordoba to Malaga. For Barcelona Metro, they have recently been successful in implementing a driverless solution for Line 11.  

Work for the Kowloon Canton Rail Corporation (KCRC) shows how Westinghouse and its parent company Invensys Rail Group can provide solutions beyond the abilities of any other supplier.  Despite the sophistication and complexity of the world’s first fully Integrated operations Control Centre System (ICCS) the KCRC has enjoyed 99.98% reliability since its commissioning, as well as the vital benefits of reduced costs, and improved performance and safety.

The Middle East is a very important emerging market to Invensys Rail Group, with a Memorandum of Understanding in place with a prominent leading UAE company; Invensys Rail Group is continuing its endeavour to win and deliver world class projects and be part of the region’s history. Consequently, they are taking part in the Rail Infrastructure – MENA 2007 conference June 4th & 5th in Dubai as the main sponsor.

Invensys Rail Group can demonstrate that, in partnership with clients and through strategic alliances with equal global players, they are able to plan and deliver comprehensive transportation solutions throughout the world. Their expertise in delivering world class projects in addition to working closely with their clients to provide constant support, advice and training gives Invensys Rail Group the international edge and capabilities that are matched by none, and of that, they are extremely proud.

Sir Graham Hugh Boyce was educated in Hurstpierpoint School, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, England.1 He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, Cambridgesh