Intelligent Automation & Soft Computing Tech Science Press

DOI: 10.32604/iasc.2023.028163
Article

Real Time Control System for Metro Railways Using PLC & SCADA
Ishu Tomar*, Indu Sreedevi and Neeta Pandey

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042, India
*Corresponding Author: Ishu Tomar. Email: ishutomar.611@gmail.com
Received: 04 February 2022; Accepted: 15 March 2022

Abstract: This paper proposes to adopt SCADA and PLC technology for the
improvement of the performance of real time signaling & train control systems
in metro railways. The main concern of this paper is to minimize the failure in
automated metro railways system operator and integrate the information coming
from Operational Control Centre (OCC), traction SCADA system, traction power
control, and power supply system. This work presents a simulated prototype of an
automated metro train system operator that uses PLC and SCADA for the real
time monitoring and control of the metro railway systems. Here, SCADA is used
for the visualization of an automated process operation and then the whole opera-
tion is regulated with the help of PLC. The PLC used in this process is OMRON
(NX1P2-9024DT1) and OMRON’s Sysmac studio programming software is used
for developing the ladder logic of PLC. The metro railways system has deployed
infrastructure based on SCADA from the power supply system, and each station’s
traction power control is connected to the OCC remotely which commands all of
the stations and has the highest command priority. An alarm is triggered in the
event of an emergency or system congestion. This proposed system overcomes
the drawbacks of the current centralized automatic train control (CATC) system.
This system provides prominent benefits like augmenting services which may
enhance a network’s full load capacity and network flexibility, which help in easy
modification in the existing program at any time.

Keywords: Train control system; automation; PLC (programmable logic

controller); SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)

1 Introduction
Automation has been developed in the context of industrialization to provide various leverages such as
process decentralization, virtualization, interoperability, real-time data acquisition, and an important role in
mechanization, which provides the human operator with machinery to assist them with the manual
requirements of work [1]. Automation reduces power consumption and increases industrial efficiency.
Automation assures the improved monitoring and control and also enhances the quality of work
performed by control systems [2,3].
Railway systems play a vital role in today’s constantly growing transportation sector. Metro railways
deliver fast and convenient travels in the metropolitan cities to the daily commuters. The importance of

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original
work is properly cited.
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signaling and train control systems in accomplishing these goals cannot be overstated because they ensure
the entire safety of train movements, increased efficiency, and lower operational costs [4–7]. Earlier,
Track circuits and transmission based systems were used for signaling & train control systems in metro
railways. With advancements in telecommunications and information technology, the Communication
based train control (CBTC) systems has now been used for railway signaling and train control systems
[8,9]. But these CBTC systems have various drawbacks [10–12]. They have a large attack surface. They
can be subjected to multiple hacking attacks like network intrusion, data tampering which eventually lead
to security hazard [13,14].
Therefore, PLC and SCADA based automation systems can be used in Metro Railways to minimize the
failure. PLCs conduct the majority of the control components required to implement system logic [15].
SCADA monitors, regulates, optimizes, and manages generating and transmission systems. Remote
terminal units (RTU) are the core component of these systems, which gather data automatically and link
directly to sensors, meters, recorders, or process equipment.
It is important to understand how real-world stuff works and therefore to assist the user, PLC code is
used with SCADA. Input/output, HMI, signal hardware controller, networks, communication, database,
and software are all part of a SCADA system, which are all connected via a PLC program. PLC is
capable of altering or modifying the sequence of operations in accordance with the settings of the
purpose to prevent failure. Here, SCADA is used for the visualization of an automated process operation
and then the whole operation is regulated using PLC. The PLC used here is OMRON (NX1P2-9024DT1)
and OMRON’s Sysmac studio programming software is used for developing the ladder logic of PLC.
Wonderware Intouch SCADA software is used for the visualization of the operation.
This PLC and SCADA based real time monitoring and train control system for the metro railways has
various benefits like: This system helps in detecting exact location, avoiding train collisions and opening
emergency exit even after the interruption of power system with the use of Programmable Logic
Controller. This system overcomes the drawbacks of the current CATC i.e., centralized automatic train
control system which comprises of automatic train protection, signaling and operation systems [16–19].
If the communications link between any of the trains is disrupted then the whole system/network will not
be affected.
The framework of this paper is organized as follows: Introduction, Prototype of automated metro
railways system operator, Operation, results, and Conclusion.

2 Prototype of Metro Railways System

PLC and SCADA are two components that are utilized for Monitoring and Train Control System for the
Metro Railways. The communication between SCADA and PLC is via a wired/wireless interface. PLC is a
computer with an internal memory\that stores instructions for executing certain operations while scanning the
program. The purpose of a PLC is to modify process operations and monitor critical process parameters as
needed. PLC receives data/signals from input devices such as sensors, push button switches, contact limit
switches, and so on. The information is processed in the input module where logical operations are done
on the inputs, and the required response is supplied to the operator via the output module linked device
such as a motor, valve, or alarm as shown in Fig. 1.
SCADA monitors and control the system via a centralized OCC (Operation Control Centre) and HMI
(Human-Machine interface) that controls the traction system equipment and entire power supply through
SCADA. The functional diagram in Fig. 2 shows the working of Metro railways system using PLC and
SCADA. To execute its tasks, the PLC requires a regulated power source of 24V DC. IR sensors,
stations, and emergencies feed into the PLC, which generates six output signals such as signal/alarm,
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train running or halting, and door open or close. The PLC’s output module will send commands from
SCADA to the train. An essential feature is that in the case of an emergency, the alarm will send a status
point with the value NORMAL or ALARM.

Figure 1: PLC block diagram

Figure 2: Functional block diagram of metro railways using PLC and SCADA
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The prototype of the automated metro railways system operator has four main applications. OCC is the
main application of this automated metro train system operator prototype. An operator sits in front of the
HMI and controls the metro train system. Each station is linked to the OCC through a remote connection.
It has command of all stations and handles all commands such as emergency and congestion with highest
priority. CCTV function, Metro stations and metro platform view, and Electrical control are other sub-
applications of the system (traction power control and power supply system). Sub application are CCTV
function, Metro stations view (Metro train system), Metro platform view, and Electrical control (traction
power control and power supply system).
Fig. 3 shows the functioning of the Main application and sub-application and Fig. 4 shows the block
diagram and OCC runtime window in SCADA Wonderware Intouch software from where the operator
may command and monitor. The IR and reflecting sensors on the RTU are used to scan the programs. If
there is a problem with the process, the RTU sends a message to the Master Terminal Unit (MTU), which
then sends signals or alerts to the operator on the screen.

Figure 3: Functioning of main application

3 Operation
The operation of the entire system is shown using the flow charts listed below:

3.1 Metro Platforms View Sub-Application

The driver of the trains controls the metro platforms, and the operator of any platform can manage the
traffic of the metro station. This flowchart in Fig. 5 and Tab. 1 shows the working of Metro platforms view
sub-application. Here, t is timing tag of process/tag of slider.

3.2 Metro Stations (Traction SCADA System) View Sub-Application

In this flowchart in Fig. 6, functioning of Metro stations (traction SCADA) view sub-application is
shown. Metro train starts moving when the switch is turned ON. The LED in the control panel view
indicates the proper location of the metro train. This system can track, control and recognize the location
of the train even after a power outage or other breakdown. The emergency light will turn ON in case of
any fault station and an alert message is displayed by the OCC in the relevant metro station on the HMI
or operation display.
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Figure 4: Operational control center runtime window in SCADA Wonderware Intouch software

Table 1: Metro platform view description

Label Description
1. t = 0 The traffic light is red. the trains are stopped and the passengers move out/in
of the train and pantograph is not collect the power yet.
2. 20 > t >= 15 The doors are closed.
3. For t >= 20 The doors are closed and pantograph collects the power and electrical signal
on overhead system is ON. Train starts running.
4. 100 >= t >= 20 Traffic light is green. The train starts moving forward.

3.3 Traction Power Control and Power Supply System (Electrical Control)
This flowchart in Fig. 7 shows the functioning of Electrical control view sub-application. Metro rail lines
must be electrified with 25 kV, single phase, 50 Hz for overhead equipment to deliver electrical energy to
locomotives or trains for operating the motor. The substation, feeding post, and other equipment at the
control post and switching station make up the power supply system. A catenary i.e., the overhead
equipment (OHE) is used to deliver power to a metro train equipped with a pantograph in metro rail
traction systems. Transformer1(T1) is a stepdown transformer for metro stations and Utility load,
transformer2(T2) is a stepdown transformer for the catenary, and transformer3(T3) is a step-up
transformer for 132 kV incoming line from generating station.
The system is turned on by pressing the button ON S0. The power control and power supply system
where t is timing tag of process or the tag of slider is shown here (see Tab. 2).
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Figure 5: Working of metro platforms view sub-application

Figure 6: Working of metro stations (traction SCADA system) view sub-application

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Figure 7: Working of traction power control and power supply system

Table 2: Electrical control view description

Label Description
1. S0 is ON Power supply is ON.
2. T1 and S1 are Power supply (132 kV/33 kV) is fed to the stepdown transformer (T1), then fed to the
ON step-up transformer (T3), and then fed to metro stations and utility load.
3. For 50 <= t1 < Transformer (T1) is damaged.
100
4. S2 is ON When transformer1 (T1) is damaged, the Auxiliary transformer1 (Aux-T1) is operated,
and the power supply is fed to the stepdown transformer on standby (132 kV/33 kV). If
transformer3 (T3) is also not working, the power supply is running through the
Auxiliary transformer3 (Aux-T3 step-up transformer 33 kV/415 kV) and then fed to
metro stations and utility load.
5. S3 is ON Stepdown transformer2 (T2, 132 kV/25 kV) is ON and the power supply is fed to
catenary overhead electrical lines (OHE) through which the metro train is connected.
6. For 50 <= t2 < Transformer2 (T2) is damaged.
100
7. S4 is ON Auxiliary Transformer2 (Aux-T2) is ON and the power supply (132 kV/25 kV) is fed
to the catenary (OHE).
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3.4 CCTV
A sophisticated intrusion detection system (IDS) will be placed at the platform, with comprehensive
CCTV or video surveillance coverage of stations, parking, and public spaces. Internal security monitoring
systems such as the Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system, SCADA, Passenger Information System
(PIS), and Public Address System (PA) can be implemented to minimize reaction time from personnel. A
smart interface is provided to the control room operator using this CCTV approach. They can make quick
and effective judgements for running the metro system and delivering the required services. This
flowchart shows the functioning of CCTV view sub-application in Fig. 8.

Figure 8: Flowchart for the working of CCTV

4 Results and Discussion

A SCADA Wonderware Intouch software window of every operation is shown with the ladder logic
program of PLC in this section.

4.1 Operational Control Center (OCC)

Fig. 9 shows the OCC runtime window in SCADA Wonderware Intouch software from where the
operator may command and monitor. The IR and reflecting sensors on the RTU are used to scan the
programs. If there is a problem with the process, the RTU sends a message to the Master Terminal Unit
(MTU), which then sends signals or alerts to the operator on the screen.

4.2 Metro Platforms of Sub-Application

All the cases of metro platforms view sub-application are shown here with the help of SCADA system
and PLC ladder logic (see Figs. 10–12).
Fig. 13 shows the Metro stations (traction SCADA) of sub-application. Metro train starts moving when
the switch is turned ON. The LED in the control panel view indicates the proper location of metro train. This
system can track, control and recognize the location of the train even after a power outage or other
breakdown. The emergency light will turn ON in case of any fault station and an alert message is
displayed by the OCC in the relevant metro station on the HMI or operation display (see Fig. 14).
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Figure 9: OCC of main application with failure in the system

Figure 10: For t = 0, doors are open

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Figure 11: For 20 > t >= 15, doors are closed

Figure 12: For 100 >= t >= 20, traffic light is green. The train starts moving forward
IASC, 2023, vol.35, no.2 1413

Figure 13: Metro stations (traction SCADA) of sub-application

Figure 14: Metro stations (traction SCADA) of Sub-application (failure)

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4.3 Electrical Control (Traction Power Control, And Power Supply System) View Sub-Application
Here, the functioning of Electrical control view sub-application is shown. Metro rail lines must be
electrified with 25 kV, single phase, 50 Hz for overhead equipment to deliver electrical energy to
locomotives or trains for operating the motor. The substation, feeding post, and other equipment at the
control post and switching station make up the power supply system. A catenary i.e., the overhead
equipment (OHE) is used to deliver power to a metro train equipped with a pantograph in metro rail
traction systems. Transformer1(T1) is a stepdown transformer for metro stations and Utility load,
transformer2(T2) is a stepdown transformer for the catenary, and transformer3(T3) is a step-up
transformer for 132 kV incoming line from generating station.
(1) No Fault Condition: For running the system, a power supply of (132 kV/33 kV) is fed to the
stepdown transformer (T1), then fed to the step-up transformer (T3), and then fed to metro stations and
utility load. (see Fig. 15).

Figure 15: S0 is ON, Power Supply is ON (No fault Condition)

(2) For 50 <= t1 < 100: When transformer1 (T1) is damaged, the Auxiliary transformer1 (Aux-T1) is
operated, and the power supply is fed to the stepdown transformer on standby (132 kV/33 kV) (see Fig. 16).
(3) For 50 <= t2 < 100: Stepdown transformer2 (T2, 132 kV/25 kV) is ON and the power supply is fed to
catenary overhead electrical lines (OHE) through which the metro train is connected. If transformer2(T2) gets
damaged, then Auxiliary transformer2 (Aux-T2) provides the power in case of transformer2(T2). Switch ON
S0, S2, and S4 means the system is working.
(4) When Stepdown transformer3(T3) gets damaged, then Auxiliary transformer3 (Aux-T3) provide the
power in case of transformer3(T3). Switch ON S0, S4, and S5 means the system is working (see Fig. 17).
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Figure 16: For 50 <= t1 < 100, When Transformer (T1) is damaged, then Aux-T1 is operated
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Figure 17: When T3 gets damaged, then Aux-T3 provides the power in case of T3
IASC, 2023, vol.35, no.2 1417

4.4 CCTV
The SCADA Wonderware Intouch software window of CCTV operation is shown in Fig. 18.

Figure 18: CCTV of sub-application

5 Performance Evaluation
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA systems play a critical role in the management and
regulation of Critical Infrastructure. SCADA systems are bringing us closer to the real-time application
world. SCADA systems increase the efficiency of a control system operation while also providing
improved protection for the equipment it uses. Furthermore, it increases employee productivity. SCADA
frameworks use an established monitoring platform, advanced communication system, and sensors to
provide required information and timely alerts/warnings to observing stations. The designed SCADA
system offers continuous access and visualization of all the data in a more efficient and timely manner. It
also provides a centralized and thorough display of parameters. The use of “Wonderware Intouch”
software facilitates the gathering and visualization of data. The data collecting procedure in the proposed
SCADA system is primarily centered on creating adequate communication links between the SCADA
server (master station) and numerous PLCs and sensors that measure and send the readings of a variety of
valuable parameters. The proposed system decreases the false error percentage in comparison to the
traditional systems (Fig. 19). Tab. 3 shows the key features and contribution of the developed platform.

Figure 19: Initialization time and false error percentage of the proposed system
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Table 3: Key features and contribution of the developed platform

S. Aspect Contribution
No.
1 System Easy installation and system equipment can be added to traditional power
installation switches with few modifications and wiring.
2 Cost Using a single central unit PLC that implements the load sharing algorithm and
sends control commands to the basic switching parts saves cost.
Using open source software in the SCADA visualization platform saves money.
Eliminates the need to purchase extra network units or pay for a service
subscription by using a secure remote access platform.
3 Interoperability Helps in safe and uninterrupted monitoring, control and signalling of the metro
railways movement.
4 Operation Good operation sustainability by having a self-restoration capability after a
sustainability power interruption.
5 Convenience Provides remote access, and features all system parameters in a single SCADA
web interface.
6 Security Uses a hierarchical authentication scheme for the management and visualization
of controlling railways assets in SCADA system.
7 Extendibility Proposed method is extendible by configuring more devices, switches and
screens in the SCADA software.
8 Equipment Predictive maintenance practices could be scheduled on the basis of monthly
Maintenance performance evaluations.
The power quality indices at different nodes of the railway system can be used to
solve malfunctioning issues.

6 Conclusion
In this paper, a PLC and SCADA based Real time monitoring and train control system for the Metro
Railways has been used in to minimize the failure. Here, SCADA is used for the visualization of an
automated process operation and then the whole operation is regulated using PLC. The PLC used here is
OMRON (NX1P2-9024DT1) and OMRON’s Sysmac studio programming software is used for
developing the ladder logic of PLC. Wonderware Intouch SCADA software is used for the visualization
of the operation. This system helps in detecting exact location, avoiding train collisions and opening
emergency exit even after the interruption of power system with the use of Programmable Logic
Controller. This system overcomes the drawbacks of the current CATC system comprising of automatic
train protection, signaling and operation systems.

Acknowledgement: This work has been carried out under the supervision of Prof. S. Indu and Prof. Neeta
Pandey, Department of ECE, Delhi Technological University, and I (Ishu Tomar) pay immense gratitude
towards my guides for enlightening me through the process.

Funding Statement: The authors received no specific funding for this study.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the
present study.
IASC, 2023, vol.35, no.2 1419

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Appendix:
PLC Ladder Logic for the proposed system
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