Diagnostic results: the condition of railway tracks has improved in 2024

16-01-2025

In 2024, large-scale diagnostics of more than 460 thousand kilometers of railway tracks were carried out, which is 19 thousand kilometers more than in 2023. The results of the work of diagnostic tools, including specialized cars and flaw detection trolleys, show a decrease in the identified discrepancies in the track content, which indicates an improvement in the condition of the infrastructure.

As part of the supervised operation of mobile diagnostic laboratories from October to December 2024, more than 2 thousand rail defects were identified. Advanced diagnostic methods have made it possible to increase the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostics, which directly affects the safety and reliability of train traffic.
 

In recent years, the diagnostics of railway tracks has significantly improved due to the introduction of advanced technologies and integrated diagnostic systems. One of the key innovations was mobile diagnostic complexes (MDS), equipped with laser systems for measuring the geometry of the track gauge. These technologies allow to identify deviations in the track geometry with high accuracy and correctly assess the track condition on the main network.

Also, the implementation of the MDS made it possible to launch the following programs: "Program for calculating the pre-failure state of the track", "Comprehensive analysis of the pre-failure state of the continuous welded track", PO "StabWay". This software allows to exclude the "human" factor when analyzing changes in the track condition and direct track specialists to eliminate dangerous discrepancies.
 

In addition, the MDS video monitoring systems allow monitoring the condition of track superstructure elements, such as rails, sleepers and fastenings. MDS can detect hidden defects and violations in the track condition that cannot be detected by traditional methods.

Mobile diagnostic complexes are deployed in three key regions of the country - at the stations of Astana, Almaty and Aktobe, covering the entire main network of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Within a month, each complex is capable of inspecting up to 5 thousand kilometers of track. It is important to note that each section is diagnosed twice a month. The branch employs highly qualified specialists whose skills can be compared to the work of ultrasound doctors who perform diagnostics at the level of MRI and identify dangerous track defects at an early stage of development.

Data affecting traffic safety is processed in real time and transferred to the Track Diagnostics Center, the Track and Structures Department, and the Company's structural divisions in accordance with the approved Interaction Regulations. If defects are detected, for example, in rails or violations in the maintenance of track geometry, the information is immediately transferred to the relevant services, and the system issues recommendations to reduce speed or even close traffic on the diagnostic section.

Modern diagnostic systems ensure accuracy and make it possible to conduct diagnostics at established speeds, which significantly speeds up the inspection process.
 

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»