CR gears up with Winter Preparation and Precautionary Measures

Central Railway (CR) has proactively implemented a series of comprehensive measures to address potential rail fractures during the winter season. The timely detection and replacement of flaws in tracks are paramount to ensuring passenger safety and preventing potentially hazardous situations.

Recognizing that tracks undergo expansion and compression due to temperature fluctuations, CR has intensified efforts to detect and address rail flaws promptly. This preventative action minimizes the risk of rail fractures and potential accidents. In preparation for the winter season, Central Railway has taken the following measures:

A. Oiling and Greasing of Fish Plate Joints:
Fish plates are specially rolled section used for joining the rails end to end with the help of fish bolts. The name fish plate is traditionally given to this fitting as its section looks like a fish. To enhance joint stability, CR has completed oiling and greasing of fish plate joints at 90% of main line locations which is 27864 out of 30850, with the remaining 2986 joints scheduled for completion within 1-2 weeks.
- Mumbai Division: 18750 locations completed, 2972 remaining
- Bhusaval Division: 2843 locations completed, none remaining
- Nagpur Division: 3713 locations completed, 14 remaining
- Pune Division: 2705 locations completed, none remaining
- Solapur Division: 2830 locations completed, none remaining

B. Integration of GPS Trackers:
CR has equipped trackmen with GPS trackers, ensuring thorough foot patrols for fault detection. This technology provides real-time tracking of patrol routes and trackmen movements enabling immediate response to any anomalies. Total 3143 GPS trackers have been provided over Central Railway.

   - Mumbai Division: 666 GPS trackers
   - Bhusaval Division: 750 GPS trackers
   - Nagpur Division: 750 GPS trackers
   - Pune Division: 322 GPS trackers
   - Solapur Division: 655 GPS trackers

C. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) Machines:
Central Railway employs USFD, a sophisticated technique utilizing ultrasonic waves to detect flaws in rails. This method enables precise identification of flaw type, magnitude, and location.

Detection of flaws is carried out either by visual examination of rails or by ultrasonic flaw detection (USFD) technique. USFD technique is widely used o­n Indian Railways for detecting flaws in rails for safety consideration of the track. In USFD, flaws are detected by using ultrasonic waves i.e. sound waves of 2-4 MHz. These waves are generated, transmitted to the rail and received back from the rail by small piece of electric crystal fitted in the probe which moves over the rail. Reflection received back is displayed o­n the oscilloscope screen. Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the probe get reflected backward whenever they encounter any change in medium. With correct calibration and correct interpretation of oscilloscope pattern, it is possible to detect type of flaw, its magnitude and location.

   Total of 41 USFD B-SCAN Machines distributed across divisions:
     - Mumbai Division: 16 machines
     - Bhusaval Division: 9 machines
     - Nagpur Division: 4 machines
     - Pune Division: 4 machines
     - Solapur Division: 8 machines

In the week of October 6th to October 12th, a total of 4214 USFD inspections were conducted across CR divisions reinforcing the commitment to safety and maintenance.
     - Mumbai Division: 764
     - Bhusaval Division: 1392
     - Nagpur Division: 1238
     - Pune Division: 235
     - Solapur Division: 585

D. Substantial Reduction in Rail And Weld Fractures:
These initiatives have resulted in a substantial reduction in rail and weld fractures over CR:
During April to October till date
- 2021-22: 108 cases of Rail & Weld Fractures
- 2022-23: 57 cases of Rail & Weld Fractures
- 2023-24: 42 cases of Rail & Weld Fractures

This represents a 61% decrease compared to 2021-22 and a 26% decrease compared to 2022-23 in the current financial year 2023-24. These measures not o­nly enhance safety but also reduce track maintenance blocks, minimizing disruptions to train services.

E. Record Allocation for Track Renewals:
Furthermore, a record fund of ₹1400 crore has been allocated for track renewal in the Financial Year 2023-24 for Central Railway, with approximately 48% (₹675 crore) already expenditure done in vital infrastructure improvements.

Central Railway remains dedicated to ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability for its passengers and stakeholders.