The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced an innovative approach to track maintenance, becoming the first railway zone in India to utilise road machinery such as Hydra cranes and backhoe loaders for the maintenance of points and crossings. These components are crucial in railway networks as they enable trains to switch tracks and safely cross from one track to another.
This novel method was implemented experimentally on 29 November 2024 at the Pandu machine siding in Maligaon, Guwahati. The success of this initiative marks a significant milestone in NFR’s efforts to enhance safety and ensure the timely upkeep of railway tracks.
Traditionally, Indian Railways relies on track machines for maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of its extensive network. Currently, 1,684 track machines, including ballast cleaning machines, tamping machines, dynamic track stabilisers, and muck disposal units, operate across the railway system, with 301 additional units under procurement. Plasser India, a leading supplier of track machines, has played a pivotal role in meeting these demands. The company, which established a manufacturing facility in Karjan, Gujarat, in 2019, has aligned with the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, increasing indigenous production and exporting to markets like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
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The integration of road machinery into track maintenance operations is expected to complement these track machines effectively. The new method offers advantages in addressing logistical challenges and ensuring maintenance in less accessible or remote locations. By leveraging the wide availability and versatility of road machinery, this system enhances ballast cushioning and improves track stability, ensuring faster and more efficient maintenance of the numerous points and crossings spread across NFR’s jurisdiction.
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