Chennai Metro Rail Selects Trimble To Implement Rail Asset Management Solutions
Trimble announced that Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL), operated by the Tamil Nadu State Government and the Government of India, will implement Trimble® Nexala rail asset management solutions. Deploying the Trimble solutions will enable CMRL to improve its real-time status monitoring and analytics capability by accessing up-to-date fleet status, which can improve overall fleet availability and reliability while reducing costs and improving safety.
Once implemented by Trimble and its Chennai-based partner KKM SOFT, the project will be one of the first examples of digital real-time, condition-based monitoring rolled out by an Indian rail operator. Solutions will include the Trimble R2M real-time remote diagnostics system and Trimble E2M engineering rail asset management system. Together, these systems will improve Chennai Metro’s (CMRL's) ability to make data-driven decisions to determine its fleet's operational status, assist with the root cause analysis of faults, and streamline maintenance planning and execution.
Trimble R2M will process diagnostic data from CMRL’s Alstom rolling stock in real time for a comprehensive view of overall fleet status including specific and potential vehicle faults. The system provides a comprehensive overview by identifying the condition of key components using data from the train and also wayside hot-axle box detectors to report on warnings or faults. CMRL will use the system to optimize maintenance and reduce costs by performing maintenance when needed rather than after a fixed interval.
Using the Trimble E2M system streamlines maintenance, parts and materials usage, and helps to manage resource allocation and procurement processes. It will allow CMRL to maintain and manage the cost-effectiveness of their rolling stock and depot assets by improving asset reliability, resource and capacity planning, and work utilization while reducing operating costs.
"Because Trimble's rail asset lifecycle management products are an interoperable suite, CMRL will be able to implement a seamless solution that meets their needs," said Tomas Larsson, general manager of Trimble's Rail Solutions Business. “Deploying the Trimble R2M and E2M means CMRL can maximize benefits with remote diagnostics, condition monitoring, and analytics delivered via one interface, providing a consolidated view of on-train and wayside systems."
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a joint venture between Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu, operates the Chennai Metro, a rapid transit system serving the city of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Government of Tamil Nadu created a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementing the Chennai Metro Rail Project named "Chennai Metro Rail Limited," which was incorporated in December 2007.
35 kilometers of the 45 kilometer Phase-I Chennai Metro Rail Project has been successfully implemented with 26 stations out of the total 32 stations. CMRL has also planned to take over the existing Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System by 2021, which will be upgraded to operate using the rolling stock of the Chennai Metro. CMRL became a member of the International Association of Public Transport in 2011.
