India Advances Railway Communication Upgrade with TRAI Spectrum
India’s bid to modernise railway communications received a fresh push as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) submitted its revised recommendations on spectrum allocation to the Department of Telecommunications. The move aims to streamline the use of dedicated spectrum bands for Indian Railways’ safety, signalling, and advanced communication needs. The recommendations come in response to a government back-reference and are seen as critical to enabling next-generation train control systems and improving passenger and freight rail operations.
The revised TRAI recommendations pertain to spectrum allocations in the 700 MHz and 1,400 MHz bands, identified as crucial for enabling secure and efficient train operations through Long-Term Evolution for Railways (LTE-R) systems. These systems facilitate real-time communication, advanced signalling, and centralised traffic control—key for boosting operational efficiency and rail safety. TRAI’s reconsidered response follows a back-reference from the Department of Telecommunications seeking clarification on earlier suggestions. Industry experts highlight that timely access to spectrum is essential for Indian Railways’ transition from conventional communication systems to modern, digital platforms. The proposal also aligns with global best practices where high-speed and metro rail operators use similar spectrum ranges to ensure uninterrupted and secure onboard communication. If adopted swiftly, this recommendation could help Indian Railways accelerate ongoing projects such as the Kavach safety system and improve network resiliency, particularly on high-density corridors and semi-high-speed routes.
Authorities believe that enhanced spectrum access will support India’s broader transport modernisation goals under the PM Gati Shakti framework, which integrates multiple infrastructure sectors through digital convergence. By leveraging LTE-based networks, Indian Railways aims to strengthen not only operational safety but also passenger-facing services such as infotainment, CCTV monitoring, and onboard diagnostics. TRAI’s suggestions also reflect a cost-efficient and technologically future-proof roadmap for managing India’s growing passenger and freight rail traffic. Currently, the absence of dedicated telecom infrastructure has been a bottleneck in implementing automation and responsive train control systems. The reconsidered spectrum strategy is intended to bridge this critical gap. Once finalised and cleared by the Department of Telecommunications, these allocations will allow the Railways to deploy smart communication systems without relying on commercial spectrum bands, thereby reducing interference risks. This marks a key policy step in making Indian Railways a globally competitive, data-driven mobility platform.
The revised spectrum roadmap proposed by TRAI marks a strategic advancement in India’s digital rail infrastructure journey. If adopted promptly, it could enable Indian Railways to overhaul its communication architecture, improve safety mechanisms, and enhance train performance monitoring across key corridors. The move not only strengthens alignment with global rail technology standards but also supports India’s vision for an integrated, intelligent transport network. As the decision now awaits final approval, stakeholders are hopeful that this push will unlock faster implementation of critical digital tools for rail safety, automation, and passenger experience.
