INTERNATIONAL: The Association of American Railroads‘ research subsidiary MxV Rail — formerly TTC Inc — has agreed a partnership with the Centre for Heavy Haul Rail Research & Development, a non-profit entity operating as part of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corp of India Limited
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations will enable them to collaborate on combining their technical expertise and resources, enabling them to accelerate progress and amplify their impact together. The partnership will focus on ’pioneering advances across critical areas including track infrastructure, rolling stock, advanced inspection systems, and operational efficiency’.
Announcing the MoU in December, MxV Rail said the collaboration is expected to yield new insights, technology and practices that will enhance safety, reliability and sustainability across the rail sector, with a particular emphasis on heavy haul freight operations.
DFCCIL is responsible for the planning, operation, maintenance and commercialisation of the Dedicated Freight Corridors now being developed across India; these are notable for running double-stack freight trains under 25 kV AC overheard electrification.
Key areas identified under the MoU for joint exploration include machine vision inspection, advanced flaw detection techniques like eddy current and electromagnetic field imaging, predictive analytics for component life and the development of high-capacity wagons. The collaboration will also extend to research in noise reduction, bridge monitoring and the use of modern materials such as composite sleepers.
‘By combining our strengths, we are not just sharing resources; we are creating a powerful engine for ingenuity that will benefit the global rail community. This collaboration will undoubtedly lead to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable railways for the future’, said MxV Rail President & CEO Kari Gonzales.
‘The strategic alliance with MxV Rail is a testament to our shared vision for a forward-thinking rail industry. It allows us to tackle complex challenges with greater agility and deliver solutions that have a real-world impact, benefiting operators and customers alike’, added DFCCIL Managing Director Praveen Kumar.
