Know about India’s first continuous broken rail detection system

India is set to revolutionize its railway system with the introduction of the country’s first continuous rail broken detection system. This innovative technology, known as the Broken Rail Detection (BRDS) system, aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of India’s vast railway network.

India’s first continuous rain-broken detection system

According to the study published in Siemens, The BRD system closely monitors the rail network during operation. Each train is equipped with a pair of sensors on one of the bogies. While the train is moving, these sensors scan the tracks. An on-board unit sends the collected data to the control center.

A broken rail detection system sends an alert to the following trains within seconds or sends the information to the interlock to block the respective line. A secure VPN connection transmits all data. We can integrate the output into existing signalling and maintenance solutions.

BRD offers a comprehensive service to allow railway operators to focus entirely on their core business. They install the system on-site and integrate it into the train management and signaling systems, providing all necessary support.

The BRD system has already proven itself under the toughest conditions. For instance, a freight customer looking to increase the throughput of their heavy haul transport replaced their signalling solution with modern signalling technology.

Features

BRD assumed the task of detecting broken rails. Since MRX provided full-service coverage, it automatically sends current track status reports for taking corrective actions. This process enabled the customer to reduce downtime by 2%.

One of BRD's standout features is its exceptional accuracy in identifying breaks, providing GPS positions within a 100 mm range. This precise data ensures quick and efficient repairs, preventing prolonged service interruptions or derailments that can result from undetected rail issues.

The benefits of the system extend beyond safety. BRD contributes to significant cost savings for rail operators by allowing for extended inspection intervals and minimizing downtime. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various rail-based vehicles, and its straightforward installation process makes it a versatile and user-friendly solution.

"We have been aware for some time that there is a generational shift in rail signaling, especially for freight, to moving blocks. We were also aware that this left a gap for broken rail detection – a gap that our new BRD technology fills neatly in terms of cost, reliability and performance."

Jim Blair, Head of Project Delivery & Global Accounts MRX Technologies – A Siemens Business

The BRD system has already proven itself under the toughest conditions. For instance, a freight customer looking to increase the throughput of their heavy haul transport replaced their signalling solution with modern signalling technology.

BRD took over the task of detecting broken rails. Since MRX has provided full-service coverage, current track status reports are being sent automatically for corrective actions to be taken. This way, the customer has been able to reduce downtime by 2%.

Track record of reliability

MRX offers BRD as a comprehensive service, handling on-site installations, system integration, and ongoing support. Rail operators can choose a fully integrated solution or opt for a basic setup with alerts sent via email or text message.

With a track record of reliability demonstrated over 400,000 km of operation, BRD has proven its effectiveness in identifying broken rails, including those in switches and turnouts—an area not covered by conventional track circuits. The system boasts low false positives, ensuring accurate and dependable performance.

As the rail industry grapples with the challenges of maintenance costs, safety concerns, and operational efficiency, MRX's BRD emerges as a game-changer, providing a state-of-the-art solution to enhance the reliability and safety of rail networks worldwide.

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