Track machines will improve the working conditions of trackmen by using innovation and technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw

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Track Machines can change the life of the trackman and engineers of Indian Railways and also ensure the Safety of the tracks

New Delhi: Track machines play a vital role in enhancing rail safety by ensuring the efficient & precise maintenance of tracks. At present 1684 track machines are working in #IndianRailways. To enhance #safety, 301 more machines are under supply.

Observing the functioning of ITMS Machine by the Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The Integrated Track Monitoring System (#ITMS) machine has been inspected by #AshwiniVaishnaw, Minister for Railways, I&B and Meity. He said, such machines will be deployed across India. He also inspected Rail cum Road inspection Vehicle (#RCRIV) which can change the life and working conditions of the #trackman and #engineers of #IndianRailways and also ensure the #Safety of the tracks.

Track machines play a vital role in enhancing railway safety by ensuring the efficient and precise maintenance of tracks. Here are the key benefits they provide-

Improved Track Quality

  • Precision in Maintenance: Machines like tampers, ballast regulators, and dynamic track stabilizers ensure optimal track alignment, leveling, and ballast compaction. This reduces irregularities, ensuring smoother and safer train operations.
  • Consistent Performance: Unlike manual methods, track machines maintain uniformity and consistency in track geometry.

Enhanced Safety

  • Minimised Derailment Risks: Regular maintenance using track machines helps maintain proper rail alignment and gauge, reducing the chances of derailments.
  • Detection of Issues: Advanced track machines, such as ultrasonic flaw detectors and rail grinding machines, identify and rectify potential problems like rail cracks or surface irregularities before they escalate into safety hazards.

Increased Efficiency

  • Faster Operations: Track machines perform maintenance tasks at a much faster rate compared to manual methods, reducing the time tracks are out of service.
  • Reduced Human Error: Automation reduces reliance on manual interventions, thereby minimizing human errors in maintenance processes.

Worker Safety

  • Reduced Physical Strain: Automation eliminates strenuous manual tasks, protecting workers from injuries and fatigue.
  • Remote Operation: Many modern track machines can be operated remotely, keeping workers at a safe distance from moving trains.

Long-Term Benefits

  • Extended Track Life: Regular and precise maintenance extends the lifespan of tracks, ensuring consistent performance and safety.
  • Cost Savings: By preventing major failures and derailments, track machines reduce the long-term costs associated with repairs and accidents.

Advanced Monitoring and Diagnostics

  • Machines like track geometry cars and rail flaw detectors provide real-time data on track conditions, enabling predictive maintenance and avoiding unexpected failures.

The integration of track machines into railway operations significantly enhances safety, efficiency, and reliability, contributing to smoother and safer train journeys.

Integrated Track Monitoring System

Integrated Track Monitoring System (#ITMS) is a system installed on board the Track Recording Car (#TRC) with capability to record track parameters and monitor the track in the speed range of 20-200 kmph. Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) combine various technologies to monitor and measure railway track parameters, ensuring safe and efficient rail operations. These systems are equipped with-

  • contactless laser sensors
  • high speed cameras
  • LiDAR
  • IMU
  • encoder
  • accelerometers
  • GPS etc.

ITMS uses data analytics and an integrating software to collect, analyse and process the data from various on-board sensors, cameras etc.

ITMS is integrated with Track management System (#TMS) of #IndianRailways so that the report of each Track recording run is available on TMS portal.

During 2022-23 and 2023-24, 03 nos. of ITMS have been introduced on Indian Railways. These TRCs are a part of a fleet of 7 nos. TRCs with RDSO which are required for statutory track recording of IR track length with current annual liability of about 2.54 Lakh Km in the year 2024-25.

These systems are particularly helpful to P-way officials as they provide real time alerts through SMS and Email for locations of bad spots requiring urgent track attention.

TMS essentially consists of following sub-systems

  • Track geometry measuring system: System for measurement of track geometry parameters (e.g., gauge, cant, horizontal and vertical alignment) by contactless laser sensor technology and high speed cameras using inertial principle.
  • Full rail profile and wear measurement system: System for Rail Condition Monitoring through full rail profile and wear measurement system by contactless laser sensor and high-speed cameras.
  • Track Component Condition Monitoring: System for Structural Health Monitoring of track through video inspection to identify defects in track components (e.g., rails, sleepers, fastenings, ballast) or identify missing/loose track fittings (fastenings, bolts, fishplates, etc.), with the help of line scans cameras and analysis using machine learning.
  • Acceleration measurement: The system is equipped with accelerometers for measuring accelerations at axle box and coach floor levels for Ride quality monitoring and ascertaining bad spots requiring urgent attention.
  • Rear Window Video Recording: System to monitor track conditions and surrounding environment through high resolution cameras, for correlation of track defects with track assets and video surveillance of track.
  • System for measurement of infringement: System for monitoring infringement of MMD/ SOD envelope using LIDAR technology.

Operation and Maintenance

Operation and Maintenance of all the 3 nos. ITMS is with the supplier firm, for a 7-year period progress. Since commissioning, the three ITMS have altogether completed the more than 2.5 lakh Km track recording up to Oct., 2024, as per details given:

Rail cum Road inspection Vehicle

  • Rail cum Road Inspection Vehicle has been manufactured for carrying out inspection by officials in lieu of outdated push trolley inspection. The vehicle is self-propelled both on rail and on road. It is capable of facilitating travelling safely on electrified/non-electrified sections during day or night under the conditions prevailing on IR.
  • This was developed by involving push trolley operators, Track man, PWI, AEN and other officials.
  • 2000 number RCRIV have been sanctioned in RSP 2024-25.
  • Administrative approval has been accorded for procurement of – 1 RCRIV (Light Commercial Vehicle based) each by Construction/NR and DFCCIL vide RB’s letter dated 09.05.24. 1 RCRIV (Sports Utility Vehicle based) each by Construction/NFR & KRCL vide RB’s letter dated 26.06.24. 4 RCRIV (2 each type) by RVNL vide RB’s letter dated. 18.07.24.
  • 1 LCV based RCRIV is in an advanced stage of manufacturing by NR (likely date of completion is 15th December) and 1 SUV based RCRIV has been manufactured by KRCL.
  • The Minister of Railways has inspected the vehicle and said that this will improve the safety in IR as well as will improve the life of push trolley operators and trackmen.

Track machines for faster and safer work in IR

At present 1684 track machines are working in Indian railways. These machens – Summary of track machines – Machine type – Function (Qty)

  1. Tamping Machine with Stabilizer (#HOTS-3X): Correction of alignment, level of track with continuous movement 3 sleeper packing of ballast along with track stabilization (1600 m/effective hour): 78
  2. Tamping Machine (#HOT-3X): Correction of alignment, level of track with continuous movement 3 sleeper packing of ballast (1600 m/effective hour): 18
  3. Tamping Machine (#CSM): Correction of alignment, level of track with continuous movement 2 sleeper packing of ballast (1200 m/effective hour): 69
  4. Work Site Tamper (#WST): Correction of alignment, level of track with 2 sleeper packing of ballast on worksites (800 m/effective hour): 128
  5. Point and Crossing Tamping Machine (#PCT): Correction of alignment & level of points and crossings and packing of ballast (1 turnout/effective hour): 95
  6. Multi Purpose Tamper (#MPT): For spot attention (Tamping) of Track & Turnouts in between planned maintenance and trolley for carrying P.Way material & machines (1000 PRC/1 turnout/effective hour) :222
  7. Ballast Cleaning Machine (#BCM): Screening of ballast for cushion, restoring drainage and resilience of track (200 m/effective hour): 176
  8. High Output Ballast Cleaning Machine (#HOBCM): Screening of ballast for restoring drainage and resilience of track along with stabilization and ballast profiling (350 m/effective hour): 4
  9. Cleaning Machine (#SBCM): Screening of Shoulder ballast for restoring drainage and resilience of track (400 m/effective hour): 85
  10. Dynamic Track Stabilizer (#DTS): Controlled consolidation of newly laid/ relayed, tamped track for faster restoration of speed and longer stability of track (2500 m/effective hour): 114
  11. Ballast Regulator Machine (#BRM): For redistribution, dressing and profiling of ballast in track .(1000 m/effective hour)
  12. Muck Disposal Unit (#MDU): Collection & disposal of muck released by BCM/SBCM in multiple line sections, yards, populated areas, cuttings and tunnels (65 cubic meter Capacity) : 67
  13. Other Machines – 498
  14. Total – 1684 and 301 is under supply.