RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

1.1. Definition

Rail transport: refers to the land transport of people or goods along guided paths called railways.
A railway consists of two parallel rail tracks at a fixed distance (gauge) apart, usually made of steel
and mounted upon cross beams called ties or sleepers.

Rail transport is also known as train transport. It is one of the most important, commonly used and
very cost effective modes of commuting and goods carriage over long, as well as, short distances.
Since this system runs on metal (usually steel) rails and wheels, it has an inherent benefit of lesser
frictional resistance which helps attach more load in terms of wagons or carriages. This system is
known as a train. Usually, trains are powered by an engine locomotive running on electricity or on
diesel. Complex signaling systems are utilized if there are multiple route networks. Rail transport
is also one of the fastest modes of land transport.

Rail transport has emerged as one of the most dependable modes of transport in terms of safety. It
has fixed routes and schedules. Its services are more certain, uniform and regular compared to
other modes of transport. Rail transport originated from human hauled contraptions in ancient
Greece. Now it has evolved into a modern, complex and sophisticated system used both in urban
and cross-country (and continent) networks over long distance

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Railway infrastructure

The term, railway infrastructure, describes the railway track and all the civil engineering structures and
systems/premises that ensure the railway traffic (Figure 1.1).The railway track consists of a series of
components of varying stiffness that transfer the static and dynamic traffic loads to the foundation.

Hence, the railway track comprises successively from top to bottom the rails, the sleepers, the ballast,
the sub-ballast, the formation layer and the subgrade (Figures 1.2 and 1.3) (Giannakos, 2002; Profillidis,
2014).
The lower part of the track superstructure that comprises the ballast and its sublayers is
called ‘trackbed layers’. The trackbed layers and the track subgrade, considered as a whole,
are called ‘trackbed’.

Apart from the ballasted trackbed (conventional or flexible trackbed), a concrete track-
bed (slab track or rigid trackbed) is more and more frequently used. The latter solution has
proven to be very efficient in the case of underground track sections where maintenance
requirements are greatly restricted (Figure 1.6).
A third trackbed system seldom applied is the ‘asphalt concrete trackbed’, or otherwise
called ‘semiflexible trackbed’. This solution is used in certain occasions in Italy and Japan
for the construction of new high-speed lines. It is also extensively used in North America
for the restoration of short lengths in critical segments of the track (tunnels, switches and

Rolling Stock

1.2.2 Rolling stock

Rolling stock is the term employed to describe all railway vehicles, both powered and hauled,
used either as power, trailer or engineering vehicles (Figure 1.7).
The power vehicles are self-propelled, that is, they are equipped with traction motors.
These vehicles may
• Serve the sole purpose of hauling the trailer vehicles, and are then called ‘locomotives’
(or traction units).

Figure 1.7 Categories of rolling stock.

6 Railway Transportation Systems

• Transport a number of passengers, and are then called either ‘single railcars’ (they have
a driver’s cab at one or both ends) or motor cars.
• To be used for shunting, hence they are called ‘shunting locomotives’.
Depending on their traction power used, locomotives are classified into four categories:
steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, gas turbine and electric locomotives. Railcars are
separated into electric, diesel and gas turbine railcars.
The trailer vehicles are not self-propelled. They serve the purpose of transporting people
or goods. They may be classified into three basic categories depending on their function
(Metzler, 1985):
• Passenger vehicles (or cars or coaches) intended to transport passengers.
• Freight vehicles (or wagons) intended to transport goods (common or general use
freight wagons).
• Specific-use freight wagons intended for the transportation of certain types of freight
only.
Also included among rolling stock are the engineering vehicles used to carry out track
panel installation works and various track inspection and maintenance works. They are
divided into two main categories:
• Heavy track works, engineering vehicles
• Track recording vehicles
Every railway vehicle, either trailer or power, consists of three basic parts (Figure 1.8):
• The car body (body shell)
• The bogies (trucks)
• The wheelsets (axle + 2 wheels)

Figure 1.9 Types of railway trains.

The combination of locomotives and trailer vehicles forms the loco-hauled passenger or
freight trains depending on the category of the trailer vehicles (Figure 1.9).
When two traction units are included in the same train formation then the operation is
called ‘2-loco operation’.
The combination of single railcars, motor cars and/or trailer vehicles forms the railcars.
The railcars can move in both directions without the need of a shunting locomotive in
contrast with loco-hauled trains which need a shunting locomotive.
Multiple units (MU) are diesel (DMU) or electric (EMU) trains fulfilling the following
characteristics (Connor, 2014):
• Units are made of single railcars, motor cars and/or trailer vehicles semi-permanently
coupled
• Driving cab is provided at each end of the unit. Drivers just change ends at the terminus
• Train length can be varied by adding or subtracting units

• Power equipment is distributed along the whole train (only motor cars and single rail-
cars have power equipment)

Example formations of multiple units are

PR + TC + PR + PR + TC + PR, PR + MC + MC + PR, PR + PR + PR + PR
where
PR: Single railcar
TC: Trailer vehicle (car)
MC: Motor car
Push–pull trains are hauled passenger trains with (Figure 1.10):
• A locomotive at the front (pull–push) or at the rear (push–pull)

12. When the driver does not obey signal, in which system there are arrangements to display stop
signals automatically in advance and also to bring the train to a stop?

1. Absolute Block

2. Automatic Block

3. Centralized Traffic Control

 4. Automatic Train Control

. In railways the signal that also acts as a routing signal is

1. home signal

2. advance starter signal

3. outer signal

4. starter signal

1. Which signal gives permission to the train for leaving the platform

a) Semaphore Signal
b) Warner Signal
c) Starter signal
d) None of these

Railway Control Systems

Railway control systems serve several critical purposes in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable
operation of railway networks. Here are some of the primary purposes of these systems:

Purposes of Railway Control Systems

1. Safety Enhancement:

o Prevention of Collisions: Railway control systems ensure that trains maintain safe
distances from each other, preventing collisions.

o Speed Control: Systems like the European Train Control System (ETCS) and Japanese
Automatic Train Control (ATC) monitor and control train speeds to prevent accidents
due to excessive speedLinks to an external site.

Links to an external site.

• Detection of Obstacles: Advanced systems can detect obstacles on the track, such as vehicles at
level crossings, and automatically stop trains to prevent accidentsLinks to an external site.

• Efficiency and Capacity Optimization:

o Dynamic Route Allocation: Modern systems allow for dynamic allocation of routes,
reducing congestion and increasing the number of trains that can operate on a
networkLinks to an external site.
 • Reduced Downtime: Digital signaling systems minimize track and wheel wear, reducing
maintenance needs and downtimeLinks to an external site.

• Operational Efficiency:

o Real-Time Monitoring: Systems provide real-time data on train locations and

movements, enabling better scheduling and management of rail operationsLinks to an
external site.

• Automation: Systems like Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) can automate train
operations, eliminating the need for drivers in some casesLinks to an external site.

• Interoperability and Standardization:

o ETCS promotes interoperability across different European rail networks, allowing trains
to operate seamlessly across bordersLinks to an external site.

o .

o Standardization helps in reducing complexity and costs associated with managing

diverse systems.

• Passenger Experience:

o Dynamic Passenger Information: Control systems can provide real-time updates to

passengers about train schedules and delaysLinks to an external site.

o Improved Reliability: By ensuring trains run on schedule, these systems enhance

passenger satisfaction and trust in rail services.

In summary, railway control systems are crucial for maintaining safety, optimizing efficiency, and
enhancing the passenger experience in rail transportation.

RAILWAY M1

Lecture: Rolling Stock and Train Operations

This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of rolling stock and train operations, covering design
principles, operational protocols, and integration with railway infrastructure.
Introduction

Definition of rolling stock: Includes locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and other rail vehicles

.
Importance in rail transport: Ensures efficient movement of goods and passengers while maintaining
safety and reliability

Rolling Stock Design Principles

Subsystems of Rolling Stock:

Car body, interior design, and ride comfort.

Suspension systems to absorb shocks and vibrations

Mechanical and Electrical Components:

Wheelsets and running gear for smooth motion.

Propulsion systems: Electric motors or diesel engines

Braking systems: Mechanical friction brakes and dynamic braking

Safety Considerations:

Fire safety designs.

Compliance with international standards for accessibility and operation

Train Operations

Timetabling and Scheduling:

Integration of line planning, timetables, and rolling stock schedules to optimize operations

Use of mathematical models to minimize passenger waiting time and operational costs

Energy Conversion and Control:

Systems like pantographs for power supply.

 Energy-efficient designs using batteries or hydrogen fuel cells

Automation:

Automated driving functions for maximizing network capacity.

Feedback loops for speed adjustments based on track conditions

Maintenance and Compatibility

Regular inspections to ensure safety and efficiency.

Compatibility with electrified networks and international standards for interoperability

Future Trends

Innovative Technologies:

Multi-mode rolling stock powered by alternative energy sources like hydrogen or batteries

Greater Electrification:

Expansion of electrified networks requiring compatible rolling stock designs

Standardization:

Harmonized vehicle acceptance processes for international operations