Features & Analysis – Page 12
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In depthTrack Maintenance: Modular welding offers smoother running
Following service testing with the latest evolution of its proven APT 1500 R flash-butt welding head, Plasser & Theurer is now developing a modular range of carrier vehicles to optimise both design and utilisation.
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In depthTrack Maintenance: Intelligent wheel-rail conditioning can reduce noise and wear
Advances in the control of wheel-rail conditioning are helping to facilitate a transition from stand-alone wayside and onboard applicators to an intelligent network that continually optimises the management of both friction and noise.
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In depthBrazil: São Paulo stands out in uneven picture
Metro, monorail and suburban rail extensions totalling 39km are now being built in São Paulo, but several of the other fastest-growing Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, have no major projects currently under way, despite optimism among suppliers. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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In depthBrazil: National Railway Plan will reset project agenda
Government efforts to inject fresh impetus into the rail business and increase its share of the freight market continue, but reliance is being placed on the private sector to fund new projects. Murray Hughes reports.
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In depthComment: A long way from København
Comparing COP15 in København to the recent COP28 summit in Dubai reveals a shift in the visibility of rail in climate discussions. Nick Kingsley reflects on COP28’s commitment to the transition away from fossil fuels and how addressing transport pollution remains an urgent challenge.
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In depthData systems: Managing the transition to next-generation communications
The emergence of packet-based MPLS-TP data networks offers infrastructure managers a means to move away from legacy technology such as Time Division Multiplex, enabling them to keep pace with demands for an increasingly digital railway.
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In depthResilient Infrastructure: Reducing rail noise with acoustically optimised crossings
The noise generated by trains passing over turnouts can pose problems for railways, particularly in residential areas. Laboratory trials have shown the potential benefits of high-damping polyurethane composites, and a field test is currently underway on the ÖBB network in Austria.
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In depthJapan: Rural railways struggle against a changing climate
Recent storms have caused huge damage in parts of Japan, wrecking some rural railways and forcing others to close. Mike Bent examines how local lines can be revived against the odds.
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In depthJapan: Attracting traffic to rural lines
Imaginative initiatives are helping to ensure the survival of lightly used railways in rural Japan. Mike Bent reports.
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In depthResilient Infrastructure: Using machine learning to inspect overhead wires
Swedish infrastructure manager Trafikverket and maintenance contractor Infranord are using machine learning technology to monitor the condition of electrification equipment across the country.
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In depthResilient Infrastructure: Protecting Japan’s national network from earthquakes
The Railway Technical Research Institute is striving to find ways of making Japan’s railways safer and more secure against damage from earthquakes.
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In depthComment: Freight’s miserable year
According to UIRR, the European rail freight industry is facing a downturn. Our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley highlights the critical importance of intermodal transport for the future of rail freight and the need for policy support to decarbonise global supply chains.
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In depthJapan: Challenge and change at JR Freight
Legislation limiting overtime worked by road haulage drivers comes into force next year, offering JR Freight an opportunity to win back lost traffic. Challenges include the need to adapt more of the 1 067 mm gauge network for 40 ft high cube containers and to develop wagons to carry them. Mike Bent reports.
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In depthViewpoint: French lessons from North America
Radical changes to France’s state-owned rail freight sector are needed following the threat of punitive action from the European Commission. Iker de Luisa, General Manager of the Mexican railway industry association, asks what lessons can be learnt from America.
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Rail Business UKInterview: ‘It’s time to bring back dynamism’
UK: Cost control, revenue growth and a competitive dynamic will be key to securing the future of the UK rail sector, Transport UK Group Chief Executive Dominic Booth explains to Tony Miles.
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In depthTechnology: Innovation must come faster
Wheel-rail interaction and the need to accelerate the pace of innovation were hot topics at the 48th Conference on Modern Rolling Stock held in Graz on September 17-19. Reinhard Christeller reports.
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In depthResearch: Integrating AI in the rail sector
A European research project led by Italy’s National Interuniversity Consortium for Informatics suggests that adoption of AI technologies will have a transformative impact on railway business and operations.
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In depthEastern Europe: Rebuilding Serbia’s cross-border links
The Subotica – Szeged line across the Serbian-Hungarian border was due to reopen for passenger traffic in October following suspension of services for upgrading. Attention is now focused on rebuilding the Serbian part of the Beograd – Budapest main line, writes Toma Bačić.
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In depthAustralasia: Investment pipeline promises ‘golden age of rail’
Rail has a critical role to play on the path to net zero in Australia and New Zealand, but key issues including a lack of interoperability between networks and jurisdictions need to be urgently addressed.
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In depthSignalling: Queensland enters the digital age
Bringing together public and private sector partners, the Sequence Signalling & Systems Alliance is pressing ahead with the introduction of ETCS Level 2 train control across the South East Queensland rail network.