Rail accidents are a major cause of disruption and loss of life in India. When a train derails, it can take hours or even days to re-rail the train and restore service. Hydraulic re-railing equipment is a critical tool that helps the Indian Railways to quickly and safely re-rail derailed trains.
How it works
Hydraulic re-railing equipment consists of a power pack, hydraulic pumps, and hydraulic telescopic jacks. The power pack is powered by a diesel engine and provides the hydraulic power to the pumps. The pumps then pressurize the hydraulic fluid, which is used to extend and retract the hydraulic telescopic jacks.
The hydraulic telescopic jacks are used to lift the derailed train back onto the tracks. The jacks are placed under the derailed train and extended until the train is lifted clear of the track. Once the train is lifted, it can be towed back onto the tracks using a locomotive.
Step-by-step guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how hydraulic re-railing equipment works in India:
- Assess the damage. The first step is to assess the damage to the train and the track. This is done by a team of railway engineers. They will need to determine the cause of the derailment and the extent of the damage.
- Bring in the equipment. Once the damage has been assessed, the hydraulic re-railing equipment is brought to the scene of the accident. This equipment is typically located in strategic locations across the country so that it can be deployed quickly.
- Place the jacks. The hydraulic telescopic jacks are placed under the derailed train. The jacks are placed at strategic locations along the train, depending on the severity of the derailment.
- Extend the jacks. The hydraulic pumps are used to extend the jacks until the train is lifted clear of the track.
- Tow the train back onto the tracks. Once the train is lifted, it can be towed back onto the tracks using a locomotive.
- Inspect the track. The track is then inspected to ensure that it is safe for train traffic.
Benefits of using hydraulic re-railing equipment
There are several benefits to using hydraulic re-railing equipment in India:
- Faster re-railing times. Hydraulic re-railing equipment is much faster than other methods of re-railing, such as using manual jacks. This is because hydraulic jacks can lift much heavier weights and can be extended much faster.
- Safer re-railing operations. Hydraulic re-railing equipment is also safer than other methods of re-railing. This is because hydraulic jacks are less likely to damage the train or the track.
- Reduced disruption to train traffic. By quickly and safely re-railing derailed trains, hydraulic re-railing equipment helps to reduce disruption to train traffic. This is important for both passengers and freight operators.
Challenges of using hydraulic re-railing equipment
There are a few challenges associated with using hydraulic re-railing equipment in India:
- Cost: Hydraulic re-railing equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Skill requirements: Operators of hydraulic re-railing equipment need to be highly skilled.
- Accessibility: Hydraulic re-railing equipment needs to be accessible to the scene of the accident quickly. This can be difficult in remote areas.
Hydraulic re-railing equipment is a vital tool for the Indian Railways. It helps to quickly and safely re-rail derailed trains, which minimizes disruption to train traffic and reduces the risk of accidents. The Indian Railways is investing in new hydraulic re-railing equipment to improve its capabilities and reduce the time it takes to re-rail derailed trains.