Over three years after it decided to run high axle load trains, the railway ministry has finally decided to take responsibility for the move. It is now looking to monitor the impact of heavy haul trains on its tracks. It is set to introduce a track management system from December which would observe the impact of heavy haul trains on tracks as well as ascertain the success of track repairs.
The track management system, to be introduced as a pilot project in four railway zones, starting with Agra from year-end, is a software that would provide feedback on heavy haul trains on the basis of track damage and repairs. “It will prepare track deterioration models and then provide input on the kind of maintenance that the tracks requires. This will allow us to optimise our resources,” a Rail Bhawan official said.
A similar facility will also be available for the maintenance and upkeep of railway bridges, the official said. Significantly, the software for the system has been prepared by the railways itself at the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS). Apart from Agra (in the North Central Railway Zone), the test will also be conducted in Salem (Southern Railway) and Waltair (in the East Coast Railway division.)
In order to improve the efficiency and modernise its network, the railway ministry had decided to introduce higher axle load trains of 25 tonne and 30 tonne, particularly on the dedicated freight corridor. Railways was earlier running wagons of up to 22.82 tonne load.
The move, however, was not supplemented by increasing the strength of tracks or adequate maintenance and upkeep, which caused them to be damaged and show greater signs of strain and wear and tear. The railways was also pulled up the Comptroller & Auditor General of India for jeopardising the safety of its trains.
Apart from the comprehensive track management system, the Railways is also planning a number of other measures to ensure the longevity of its tracks. These include rail grinding machines, field welding systems and ultra sonic flaw detection for post construction maintenance and repair.