The tie-up will facilitate getting images for mapping and communications to introduce Wi-Fi through the satellite system.

Indian Railways will join hands with ISRO to get online satellite images for improving safety and enhancing efficiency.

“We will undertake a massive exercise of GIS [geographical information systems] mapping of the entire rail route and assets including buildings, land, workshops and other facilities in the network using geospatial technology,” said a senior Railway Ministry official involved with GIS mapping project.

GPS and Remote sensing

Geospatial technology involves GPS (global positioning systems), GIS, and RS (remote sensing).

The official said geospatial services will be available from satellite-assisted navigational support through the GPS aided geo-augmented navigation (GAGAN) system of ISRO.

“We will sign an MoU with ISRO shortly to avail the online satellite images to create a GIS platform,” said the official.

The MoU will facilitate getting images and communications through the satellite system. While the images will help in mapping the area, communications will enable the introduction of Wi-Fi service in trains in a larger way.

The technology will come in handy at the time of accidents when it can be used to ascertain the exact location of trains and the topography.

Besides, it will also help Railways in developing solutions for safety at unmanned level crossings with remote sensing facility.

Geo-fencing capabilities

The satellite images will also be used for geo-fencing of stations for paperless ticketing system.

Geo-fencing is a virtual barrier which uses GPS or radio frequency identification (RFID) to define geographical boundaries.

The technology is also expected to be used for tracking trains for disseminating information about their movement on real time basis which will be a great help to passengers. Currently, train movements are tracked manually.