From September 4th to 6th, the RT FORUM Smart Rail Transit Conference 2024 Autumn Forum was held grandly in Suzhou, featuring two special sessions on suburban (commuter) railway and renovation of urban rail transit. CASCO was invited to attend, showcasing its cutting-edge technical solutions and engaging in discussions with industry experts and peers, which has garnered widespread attention.
Flexible Configuration for Multi-mode Signaling Systems in Suburban Railway
At the 5th Suburban (Commuter) Railway Development Conference 2024, Chen Liang, Chief Signal Engineer of CASCO, delivered a speech titled "Research and Practice of Suburban Railway Signaling Systems for 'Four Networks Integration'". He delved into the crucial role of suburban (commuter) railway in the strategic planning of "Four Networks Integration" and shared CASCO's experiences and insights in tackling challenges such as signal system selection and dispatching command.
Drawing on years of technical expertise and operation experience in railway and urban rail train control systems, CASCO introduced the STCS suburban signaling system solution, which can be flexibly configured to meet operation requirements of various signaling systems. It can support CTCS-2+ATO, CBTC, and CTCS-2+CBTC, catering to the diverse needs of different regions. Notably, the Shanghai Suburban Railway Airport Link, in which CASCO participated, is China's first suburban line adopting the CTCS-2+ATO signaling system, which innovatively realized automatic turn-back function, and enhanced public transport efficiency while facilitating future cross-line operation with national railways. Additionally, CASCO will provide CBTC+CTCS-2 solution for Shenzhen-Dongguan Intercity Railway and Shenzhen-Huizhou Intercity Railway Dapeng Branch, and participate in the construction of multiple suburban lines.
Tailored Solutions for Renovation and Reconstruction
At the 2024 High-Quality Development Seminar on Overhaul and Renovation of Rail Transit Equipment, Ling Xiaoque, Manager of CASCO's Urban Rail Products and Solutions Department, presented on "Practices and Explorations in the Renovation of Urban Rail Signaling Systems". He shared CASCO's extensive experience and successful cases in major renovation and reconstruction projects. From Beijing Line 2, China's first subway line to undergo major renovation and also the first CBTC line, to Shanghai Line 2, the first to adopt "CBTC+TBTC" multi-mode train control, to Shanghai Lines 3/4, the first to be renovated with TACS system, and Suzhou Line 3, the the first GoA2 line upgrade to GoA4 in China, CASCO has undertaken the renovation of nine of the most challenging subway lines in China. It has also reconstructed the operation control center for Mexico City Metro Lines 1-6, successfully exporting China's renovation expertise to overseas market.
Ling Xiaoque emphasized that the essence of signaling system renovation lies in pursuing efficiency, safety, economy, and reliability, necessitating tailored renovation plans based on line characteristics and operational needs to achieve "one line, one plan". Drawing on years of renovation experience, CASCO has developed various renovation models such as disturbance-free renovation, upgrade and extension, inclusive renovation, and like-for-like renovation, catering to the diverse needs of different lines and achieving the ultimate goal of sustainable development.
According to the latest statistics from China Association of Metros in 2024, over 30 metro lines in China are scheduled for renovation. Facing the upcoming peak of major renovation and reconstruction, CASCO is fully prepared and will continue to lead technological innovation and practical exploration in the urban rail transit.
