Page 157 - Technology Roadmap Transportation

TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP: TRANSPORTATION

5.3 HEAVY HAUL OPERATION 5.6 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE SYSTEM
Heavy haul operation is a method to drastically Collision can be avoided by suitably deploying a
improve the throughput with minimal input. A long collision avoidance system. This can be developed
train is operated using a single crew by distributing indigenously and deployed in the short-term.
the locomotives along the train and controlled Other technologies for avoiding accidents in
through radio signal. Australia, China, USA and level crossings and also due to fire can also be
South Africa are the countries operating heavy developed indigenously and implemented in the
haul trains; with trains of length up to 7.3 km being short-term.
in operation. This technology can be indigenously
developed and implemented in potential routes,
especially in dedicated freight lines, in the medium-
term. This scheme with limited scope is already
indigenously developed and is in commercial use.
This can be extended for developing heavy haul
trains at par with developed countries.

5.4 SIGNALLING AND TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Implementation of systems like ERTMS (European
Rail Traffic Management System) is inevitable for
safe and efficient running of trains at high speed.
Being in vogue in developed countries, adequate
literature and knowledge can be acquired for
its indigenous development. Suitable industrial
partners are to be brought in for successful
development and implementation.

5.5 PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
TECHNOLOGIES
Predictive maintenance technologies involve
identification of a possible defect (which can cause
huge loss or accident) in advance. This can consist
of various technologies like

Wheel impact load detector installed by the
side of the track, to identify the defective
wheels of a train and send message to the
maintenance depot instantly to isolate such 1
defective coaches or wagons.

2 Acoustic based
bearing health
check.

Infrared based hot axle detection, remote
diagnostic of locomotives and coaches, real 3
time monitoring of bridges and structures,
etc. All these technologies can be developed
indigenously and deployed in the short-term.

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