Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a centralized monitoring and control system used across railway infrastructure to supervise geographically distributed equipment and facilities.

SCADA collects real-time information from field equipment through devices such as Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), intelligent electronic devices and other control interfaces. This information is transmitted to control facilities where operators can monitor equipment status, measurements, alarms and system conditions through Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).

In railway applications, SCADA is commonly used for traction power supply and distribution, including substations, switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators and sections of the Overhead Contact System (OCS) or third-rail power supply. It may also be used to monitor and control station and tunnel systems such as ventilation, pumps, lighting and other mechanical and electrical equipment.

SCADA systems typically provide alarm management, event logging, historical data, equipment status indication, remote command functions and system diagnostics.

The SCADA system may be integrated with or provide information to the Operations Control Centre (OCC) and other railway operational and maintenance systems. Depending on the railway architecture, separate SCADA platforms may be provided for traction power, facilities or other infrastructure systems.

mainline, high_speed, metro, light_rail, freight, depot, station

IEC 60870 series; IEC 61850 where applicable; IEC 62443 series for industrial automation and control system cybersecurity; applicable railway electrical and control system standards