Indian Railways To Have VSAT Connectivity
The Hindu reports that Railways will soon be installing VSAT connectivity. VSAT, which stands for very Small Aperture Terminal is a technology that builds a connection with the satellite. This will help the railways to offer better services across its network. The integration will be done by the company Hughes.
Another major application of the VSAT network will be to offer internet connectivity on moving trains.
A senior Railway Board official said
“Through our own VSAT hub, we will be able to offer applications and services like disaster communication system, accident relief train (ART), unreserved ticketing system (UTS) and freight operating information system (FOIS) in remote locations. The VSAT network would also help railways internet access on running trains, trial for which is already on in one of the trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad,”
The plan is to provide connectivity to 1000 locations across 19 states. This involves giving voice and data services across remote locations.
On this, Hughes India assistant vice-president (marketing) K. Krishna said
”We have been working with the Indian Railways on various communication projects for the last two years. Their decision to partner with us as they embark to set up a dedicated VSAT hub for Indian Railways validates their confidence in our services and the efficacy of satellite as a medium of choice to run mission critical and consumer facing applications across the length and breadth of the country.”
Railways is among the top government bodies to act effectively. In the past few years, railways has successfully turned around, clocking profits of around Rs.20000 crores. The move to install VSAT connectivity in Railways and moreover, to offer Internet in moving trains, is one more step in the direction of providing quality service to the customers. Railways, over the past few years, has done a lot of innovations, and I hope the trend continues.
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