Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through their letter dated 27th February 2019 has informed that Indian Railways has proposed to install an Ultra-high-speed LTE based communication corridor along their network for Train-Ground and Train-Train communication. In this connection Indian Railways has requested DoT to reserve 15 MHz of spectrum in 700 MHz band for the purpose and to begin with 10 MHz to be allocated free of cost as the proposal is devoid of any commercial gain, but only for enhancing security and passenger amenities. Through the said letter, DoT has also requested TRAI to provide recommendations on administrative allotment of spectrum to Indian Railways and the quantum, price, appropriate frequency band (including 450-470 MHz band) and any other related issue.

A Consultation Paper on “Allotment of Spectrum to Indian Railways for Public Safety and Security Services” has been released to discuss the issues involved. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from the stakeholders by 22nd July 2019 and counter-comments by 5th August 2019.

For any clarification / information Shri S.T. Abbas, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-23210481.