PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. has signed a contract with Nokia Solutions and Networks sp. z o.o., a company that is one of the leading suppliers of equipment for the GSM-R system. Under the terms of the contract, the necessary software upgrades and reconfiguration of the radio network will be carried out to integrate it with the new automatic telephone exchange provided for in the framework of the national GSM-R network implementation project.
What is GSM-R?
The GSM-R system is based on the basic GSM system. However, it has been enhanced with functions required for the operation and maintenance of railway infrastructure and train traffic management. The system also allows for optimised train flow and trains can reach higher speeds. This means shorter journey times for passengers.
Efforts to develop GSM-R systems will lead to the expansion of the network coverage and allow for progress towards standardisation.
The first visible result of the work will be the launch of GSM-R voice communications on the railway line connecting Warsaw with the Tricity, which is scheduled for the third quarter of next year. This type of operation involves testing and monitoring the new system in real-world conditions to gather experience and ensure its safest possible implementation. This will allow us to test a number of operational scenarios in which GSM-R communications will be used for communication. The system being implemented will allow communication between PLK SA traffic managers and drivers who operate the operators‘ trains, as well as between PLK SA employees and operators’ employees.
The experience gained will influence the final form of the instructions and rules adopted by PLK SA and the operators. Once the observed operation is completed, voice communications in the GSM-R network will be available for use on the remaining railway lines covered by the project.
It is estimated that the project will take about 13 months to complete.
