Indian Railways(IR) has decided to use composite material for manufacturing rail sleepers used at bridge approaches and points and crossings.
This decision was taken by the Union Railway Minister at a high level meeting of the Railway Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday.
Why Composite Material?
Composite material when compared to the existing heavy iron and concrete sleepers, are lighter. Besides, they are also capable of carrying higher loads, have better cushioning and are easier to lay and repair.
In addition, these sleepers can be designed and installed based on the specific conditions of the location where they are to be used. Compared to concrete and iron, these composite sleepers made from mixed materials can withstand loads of up to 700 kg per square centimetre.
These sleepers also last longer and their use will reduce the cost of maintenance of existing sleepers for IR. Use of composite material for sleepers will improve passenger experience, especially while passing over bridges, points & crossings.
Track monitoring using AI
In another important decision, IR has decided that monitoring of railway tracks will now be done with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). For this purpose, a special AI-enabled device called Ground Penetration Radar will be installed in inspection vehicles. This device will assess the condition of the track base.
Magnetic particle testing to assay welding of rail joints
To further improve the quality of welding in railway tracks, IR has decided to use a new technique— Magnetic Particle Testing. This testing is effective in identifying minute defects in welded joints.
Implementation of these decisions will improve both passenger comfort as well as safety on railway tracks.
