Palakkad Division undertakes replacing and strengthening of turnouts to enhance safety in Mangaluru

Track Relaying (T-28) machines on work to correct track turnouts (points) on the railway network of Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division has undertaken massive replacement and strengthening of turnouts in a significant step towards enhancing train safety and operational efficiency.

The division has replaced a total of 133 existing old 52 kg turnouts with Thick Web Switches of 60Kg (heavier material) in the last one year thereby ensuring stronger and more durable track structures. A thick web switch (point) is a type of railway turnout, designed to improve safety and durability on high-speed tracks. 

The key feature of a TWS is a thicker web in the stock and tongue rails, which provides higher strength and resistance to wear and tear, especially at higher speeds. A turnout, also known as a point or a crossing, is a mechanical device allowing a train to switch from one track to another.

During the process, 77 layouts (turnouts) were corrected to perfect geometry using advanced computer solutions, involving precise longitudinal and lateral shifting with the help of the Track Relaying (T-28) Machine. This has resulted in improved safety and passenger comfort, said a release.

The weak and dust-laden small stones (known as ballast) beneath the railway tracks were cleaned and replaced to ensure a minimum clean ballast cushion of 250mm. This enhanced layer of clean ballast provides improved track elasticity, stability and firmness, even during heavy rainfall or under the dynamic loads of train operations. Palakkad division carried out deep screening of 145 such turnouts during the last one year.

These systematic measures not only improve passenger comfort but significantly enhance the overall safety of rail operations. These initiatives align with Indian Railways’ vision of providing faster and safer rail travel by adhering strictly to the highest standards of track maintenance and safety protocols, the release added.