Kolkata Metro Passenger Announcement System

Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation partnered with HEINRICH and Zenitel to implement a high-availability Passenger Announcement System across 12 stations and one depot. Using VIPEDIA, V2000 amplifiers, and MPS microphones, the EN 54-certified system delivers clear, reliable communication while reducing energy use and supporting future expansion.

Kolkata Metro
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About Kolkata Metro

Kolkata Metro is the first metro system in India and continues to expand as the city grows. The newest addition, the East–West Metro (Green Line), already serves over 100,000 passengers daily, with projections reaching one million when fully operational. As the financial hub of Eastern India, Kolkata requires a reliable, high-capacity transport network to reduce congestion, enhance connectivity, and lower CO₂ emissions.

To support these goals, Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation partnered with HEINRICH India, Hitachi Rail, and Honeywell Automation India Ltd to design and deliver a high-availability Passenger Announcement System (PAS) across 12 stations and one depot.

Requirements for the PAS

The project called for:

  • High system availability to guarantee smooth operations, even during failures.
  • Intelligible announcements for schedules, alerts, and emergency messages, even at peak times.
  • International compliance, specifically EN 54 fire safety certification.
  • Scalability for future expansions of the network.
  • Energy efficiency to help reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Zenitel’s PAS Solution

HEINRICH deployed a Zenitel five-zone PAS in each station and depot, ensuring redundancy and reliability. The solution included:

  • VIPEDIA-12-NET units: two per location, delivering professional audio processing, network redundancy, and compact design for efficient rack use.
  • V2000 amplifier frames: two per site, supporting up to 2,000W output with hot-swappable D500/D150 amplifier cards, providing flexibility and reducing downtime.
  • MPS01-GO-IP and MPS10-GO-AN microphones: configurable for live or pre-recorded broadcasts, background music, and zonal functions.

System integration was achieved via Zenitel’s VIPA-API, enabling seamless synchronization with HEINRICH’s central control and monitoring platform. Operators now manage all 13 locations in real time with room for future network growth.

Results and Benefits

The PAS was fully installed in March 2024, delivering immediate benefits:

  • Safety and compliance: EN 54 certification ensures adherence to European fire safety standards.
  • Clear communication: passengers receive timely and intelligible announcements.
  • Reliability: redundant architecture keeps the system operational during outages.
  • Energy savings: efficient amplifiers and low standby current reduce costs.
  • Future-proof design: scalable architecture ready to expand with the metro network.

Kolkata Metro passengers now experience a safer, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable commute thanks to Zenitel’s technology and HEINRICH’s expertise.