Smart maintenance concepts expand the lifecycle of metro and light rail networks

Insufficient railway and turnout maintenance leads to more disruptions and therefore lesser availability of the track. An increase in noise pollution due to residual maintenance leads to complaints from residents and ultimately issues will occur with the reliability and safety of the track. Needless to say, the costs of postponed maintenance are much higher due to the shortening of the lifecycle of the track. Smart maintenance concepts, such as rail milling by the MG11, can therefore contribute to a reliable and safe railway infrastructure with a longer lifecycle.

The MG11 milling machine simplifies the maintenance work in metro and light rail networks by supporting shorter out-of-service time. The compact form of this powerful machine makes the MG11 eminently suitable for every situation and even the smallest of tunnels. This milling train is self-propelled and can be immediately deployed upon arrival, which results in large time savings. High profile milling maintenance has never been this easy and this fast. The MG11 can easily be transported throughout Europe and can therefore visit your network for efficient maintenance campaigns.

The milling machine removes 0.3 –  1.0 mm in one pass. This makes the usage suitable for all conventional maintenance strategies: e.g. preventive and regenerative maintenance. It is possible to remove the decarburized top layer of new rails, as well as to restore any operational damage to the rails. In just one milling pass, the original rail profile is restored, making the rail as good as new. The polishing of the rail after milling is integrated in the machine’s process and the service is complemented with adjustable rail condition monitoring, where targeted use of this high profile milling machine is possible. With mobile milling, even the deepest rail defects can be repaired and thus bring the rail profile back in its original condition. Due to the milling wheels, the rail geometry is brought back to the ideal profile to ensure smooth operation. This accuracy in the area of length and cross section contributes to the ideal restoration of for the optimal rail/wheel interface. And this all in a sustainable manner.

Good and efficient maintenance can only be done, when the initial condition of the track is known. To determine the optimum maintenance strategy we are now offering a smart service to map out the current situation of your track. In partnership, we can install special measurement sensors on standard metro cars or maintenance vehicles. These sensors measure transversal and longitudinal rail profile quality, vertical rail wear and the track gauge prior to milling. The analysis is the basis for the milling plan. In addition, we can also visualize the end result and performance after the deployment(s).

After the MG11 has completed its task, an additional cleaning of the rails or the environment is no longer necessary. The milling chips and possible dust are completely (>99%) vacuumed so that track, platforms and its furnishings remain clean. The residues are 100% recyclable and there are no coolants, smoke or other harmful substances released. And because there is no spark and/or dust formation, there are no fire hazards or health risks for passengers and staff, thus no additional fire security measures needed.

Whether there is a need for preventive or corrective milling of rails in tracks or turnouts, our rail milling service by MG11 is the solution that you are looking for.

Would you like to know more about how to use our service in your metro or light rail network? Continue reading on the website of voestalpine Railway Systems.

Feel free to contact us for more information and personal advice about the MG11!