RailTel - PARTNERING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

RailTel, a distinguished Mini Ratna (Category-I) Central Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Railways, is recognised as one of the nation's most reliable end-to-end Telecom, IT, ICT, Railway Signalling solution provider. With a focus on excellence and innovation, RailTel has garnered unwavering trust as a partner in delivering cutting-edge services across sectors. RailTel is also working towards creating a knowledge society at multiple fronts and has been selected for implementation of various mission-mode projects for the Government of India in the telecom field. With a team of highly skilled and seasoned experts in Telecom, Signalling and IT, along with an extensive nationwide infrastructure, RailTel possesses the ability to deliver digital transformation services across the country and beyond border.

There is rush of digitalisation in government as well as private sector. How RailTel helps organisations with digital transformation?

RailTel plays a pivotal role in facilitating organisations on their journey of digital transformation. RailTel's 61,000 RKM OFC network along railway tracks, 21000 KM citywide access network, two TIER III Data Centres, MeitY empanelled cloud-Railcloud, Security Operation Centre and multi-dimensional ICT offerings makes a unique combination for RailTel to become a one stop solution for Digital Transformation. Currently, we provide a comprehensive array of services such as MPLS VPN, Lease line, Tower Colocation, Data Centre services, Telepresence, Security Operation Centre services and more. We have helped Railways by implementing NIC e-office and Hospital Management Information System. The NIC e-office implementation is one of the largest project implemented by RailTel. By executing this project, we have demonstrated our capabilities in large scale system integration projects. We are implementing e-office for various government/PSU and other agencies in partnership with NIC.

The ongoing wave of digitalisation is creating new prospects for companies like ours. In the specific context of the telecom sector, the advent of 5G is a significant growth factor. The demand for network and allied infrastructures is poised to propel RailTel's business forward. With our experience in setting-up and running Tier-3 Data Centres and cloud office, we are implementing Data Centre services like cloud deployments for various customers. Thus by, leveraging our network infrastructure, data centres, security operation centre and in house capabilities, we are helping in digitalisation by providing comprehensive ICT services. In essence, our goal is to be a supportive partner in guiding our customers through their Digital transformation endeavours.

Indian Railways is investing heavily on upgradation of Signalling and Communication. What is RailTel's role in this?

RailTel was created as the Telecommunication arm of Indian Railways. Over the years we have diversified into many fields, signalling being one of them. Our experienced professionals and dedicated teams focus on projects related to Signalling and Telecommunication to tap on the opportunities in both the fields. We are already working on a number of Tunnel Communication Projects implementing State-of-the-art Integrated Tunnel Communication systems, to ensure seamless communication in tunnels, ensuring the safety and smooth operations of trains. We are also working on implementing Electronic Interlocking system for a number of stations in Northern Railways. We are actively pursuing projects in the signalling domain and have recently secured works for the provision of an automatic block Signalling system from South Central Railway. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities and evaluating partnerships for projects like the Modern Train Communication System and KAVACH, dedicated to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and digital empowerment of Indian Railways. Availability of manpower, having Signalling & Telecommunication knowledge & RailTel’s presence along Railway track is one of our strengths.

Recently, the Government has formalised the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications Act, 2023. How do you see its impact on the sector and RailTel?

Collectively, these two legislative efforts represent a significant stride towards bolstering data protection in the country’s swiftly evolving digital landscape. We see a significant positive impact on the sector and it will keep on evolving. RailTel is already contributing to the GoI initiatives in the Telecom & ICT sector and is enhancing its assets, products and service portfolio & upgrading new technologies to cater to the requirements through its robust Network Services, Security Operations Services and Data Centre Services. While DPDP Act may result in additional compliance, it also presents opportunities for growth & innovation in Data Centre & Cloud and Cybersecurity services.

How RailTel is bringing Internet to households?

RailTel through its Retail Broadband service- RailWire connects to Indian households. RailWire- RailTel's Home Internet is already being availed by 5.6 lakh subscribers across India. We have introduced OTT bundled broadband plans, contributing to further subscriber growth. In a move to offer additional value-added services, we are providing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services in select areas.

RailTel’s Pan India network infrastructure of fibre present along the Railway tracks reaches 6108 Wi-Fi enabled Railway stations, majority of which are in rural areas. Leveraging this, we aim to extend RailWire broadband services to remote villages of our country empowering rural population & bridging the digital divide.

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