Page 47 - Traffic infratech magazine

FUTURE MOBILITY

Under this system, the trains do not used for even the seemingly insignificant
operate from 12:00 am to 6:00 am of the components; for example, the
and maintenance works are executed. performance of the automatic train
Every morning, a test train confirms doors can be observed using the level For the HSR to
the clearance for the path before of voltage output. Artificial intelligence
the commencement of the regular can then be utilized to predict failures deliver on its
operations. Even in Japan, maintenance and ensure efficient resource allocation. promises of the
is labor intensive and comprises of a Thus the upcoming HSR project in India
large amount out of total investments offers a unique opportunity for the safe, punctual, and
of the company. Given that in India, a Indian tech industry to use its strengths reliable mode of
similar maintenance strategy is likely to and actively participate in indigenization
exist, the need for India is to develop of HSR technology. transportation is
cost-effective maintenance methods only possible when
that can help ensure service reliability. Requirements Specific to
As opposed to the classic periodic India the Indian industry
maintenance method, in which Also, there are a few technological can steadily supply
maintenance activity is performed needs that are specific to India. First
on an asset after a fixed period, the is the issue of security checks at the low-cost, high-
Japanese system uses Condition stations. Unlike metro security checks in quality technical
Based Maintenance (CBM), in which India, the Japanese HSR does not have
an asset is maintained as per its real provision for checking the luggage of products
conditions. The CBM is shown to result every passenger through x-ray machines.
in substantial cost savings, as it helps in This offers unique flexibility to Japanese
resource allocation optimization. HSR passengers as they can simply
come just in time for train and complete reiterate the importance of quality of
Naturally, for CBM to be effective, HSR technical components. Every HSR
a large amount of information must their journeys. The HSR connects the component is developed after strict
be collected through a range of cities by its central districts and hence regimes of research, product testing,
inspection methods and network of has a competitive advantage over the
sensors to assess the condition of the airlines for a distance of up to 800 KM, and continuous management of
assets. Railway companies in Japan as airports are usually away from city quality control. Even if the quality of an
are leveraging ICT technology for this centers and have long lines for security. individual element is high, the integrated
purpose, and the same must be the If India were to maintain the competitive functioning of various technical parts is
case for India. A detailed description of advantages of HSR, we surely need essential, and hence, the relationship
the existing technology is shown here. to develop efficient technology for of a component to the whole system
Some of the examples are as follows. allowing quick and effective security should be considered. Even then, as the
First is using a High-Speed Inspection checks for all passengers. The solution technology will evolve, in some fields
vehicle (commonly called as Dr. Yellow should be flexible enough to handle more rapidly than others, importance
or East-i), which can run at normal the peak as well as off-peak demands. should be given on the performance
operating speeds and can be operated Another opportunity for Indian HSR is of the system as a whole and not on a
during the daily schedule. These to explore mobile-based unique services single component alone.
vehicles are equipped with instruments to passengers. Few examples include The above article was an attempt to
capable of checking track alignment at services such as mobile-based ticketing, give an overview of key HSR technology
high-speed and are equipped with high- inside station navigation, multi-modal
speed cameras to take pictures of the tickets, etc. These services allowing and discuss the opportunities that
anomalies. They can also be utilized to passengers to minimize their access exist for the Indian technology sector
check the conditions of the overhead and egress times are all likely to be in in fulfilling the demand for low-cost,
wires for ensuring smooth current significant demand, and the private high-quality products. Countless
transfer. Other examples include the companies should work closely with opportunities exist for utilizing
use of drones on concrete and steel the HSR operators to develop these technology to improve overall journey
structures to detect surface cracks and solutions. experience not only in HSR but also in
deflection, etc. Sensors have also been At this stage, I would like to Indian Railways.

www.trafficinfratech-com-500653.hostingersite.com June-July ’19 / TrafficInfraTech 47