Tracks to transformation: Modernisation is powering a safer, faster Indian Railways |
More than 25,000 trains run across India every day. They carry more than 20 million passengers daily and move large quantities of coal, iron ore, grains, steel, cement and other commodities across a network of over 1,37,000 km of tracks.
The track is the foundation on which this entire system works. When it is in good shape, trains run safely at higher speeds. When it is not, the results range from speed restrictions and delays to safety risks. A cracked rail, a loose fitting or a clogged ballast bed can all affect how a train moves.
Keeping in view the importance of track, Indian Railways started a wide-ranging modernisation programme over a decade ago. The work covered track renewal using modern machines, testing and inspection through advanced methods, mechanised maintenance, safety fencing, etc. Together, these efforts have changed the condition of the network in a visible way.
Since 2014, about 55,000 km of tracks have been renewed, thus improving safety and ride quality and reducing the need for frequent repairs. Around 44,000 track km of long rail panels (260 m each) have been laid. Longer panels mean fewer joints, which leads to smoother and safer train movement. Over 80,000 track km of stronger 60-kg rails are now in use, supporting heavier loads and higher speeds.
Laying stronger rail is important, but so is finding problems early. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing has been carried out........