QNX & Medha partner to boost safety in Indian metro systems

QNX's operating system technology will support Medha's communications-based train control systems across India's metro and monorail projects.

QNX, a business unit of BlackBerry Limited, has been selected by Medha Servo Drives to provide the core software platform for deployment in new railway protection systems nationwide. The engagement aims to strengthen automation and safety for India's expanding urban railway infrastructure.

The solution at the centre of the rollout is Medha's Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, which utilises QNX OS for Safety to deliver real-time and precise train management capabilities. This platform is designed for integration with various urban transit networks, enabling enhanced coordination, improved safety, and automated operations in increasingly complex rail environments.

CBTC technology is designed to enable continuous communication and sophisticated automation between trains and rail-side equipment, supporting the safe management of train movements. By facilitating close headway monitoring and more efficient train control, the system aims to reduce service delays and enhance overall operational reliability. Enhanced automation and continuous communication are designed to enhance passenger experiences across India's metro services.

Medha's CBTC solution targets compliance with EN50128 Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL 4), the top standard for railway signalling safety. To achieve this, the system integrates QNX OS for Safety, which is pre-certified to IEC 61508 SIL 3. This arrangement enables Medha to meet stringent international safety standards while providing a resilient and dependable technology stack suitable for modern platforms.

Key perspectives

"We are proud to support Medha in delivering a next-generation CBTC solution for India's rapidly evolving urban transit landscape," said Dhiraj Handa, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia-Pacific at QNX. "Our software is built to meet the highest safety and reliability standards, and we're excited to see it play a key role in shaping the future of public transportation across the country."

Arunachalam Agastian, General Manager – Signalling at Medha Servo Drives, added, "Our collaboration with QNX marks a significant step forward in modernising India's transit infrastructure. With QNX's proven software foundation, we're not just meeting safety and reliability benchmarks – we're setting new standards for automation and control in urban rail. This deployment will help deliver a smarter, safer, and more efficient travel experience for millions of daily commuters."

Established track record

QNX OS for Safety is in use globally in critical rail transport applications. Notable deployments include South Korea's KORAIL Metro, where QNX provides the underlying platform for sTraffic's unmanned train control system. In Portugal, Critical Software uses QNX to deliver a vital element for safety-critical railway protection across the national network. Such international cases underscore QNX's position as a trusted provider in the rail sector for high-assurance software foundations.

Medha and QNX's partnership represents a move towards improved compliance with both domestic and international rail safety criteria and supports the continued modernisation of Indian railways. India's rapid urbanisation has placed new demands on public transportation systems, leading to the rising adoption of digital safety and automation technologies in major cities.

By implementing CBTC with a platform like QNX OS for Safety, metro and monorail operators in India can coordinate complex train movements and maintain consistent adherence to safety protocols. This is seen as necessary as passenger numbers increase and as railway authorities seek to minimise risks associated with modern mass transit operations.

India's ongoing investment in smart public transport solutions is driving greater uptake of certified, safety-focused digital infrastructure in the country's rail sector. The Medha-QNX collaboration underscores the ongoing shift toward internationally aligned technologies that cater to the growing needs of an urban commuter base.