Development of indigenous contactless Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) for Track Recording on Indian Railways
Organization: Ministry of Railways
Category: Hardware | Theme: Smart Automation

Background

Indian Railways employs Track Recording Cars (TRCs) for periodic assessment of track geometry to ensure safety, ride comfort, and operational efficiency. While some TRCs still use outdated, contact-based systems, others rely on imported contactless technologies—typically laser-based solutions integrated with proprietary software.

These foreign systems pose several challenges:
• High procurement and maintenance costs
• Limited customization capabilities
• Dependency on external vendors and closed-source software

To address these issues and promote self-reliance, Indian Railways invites proposals for the Development of indigenous contactless Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) for Track Recording on Indian Railways.

Objective

Design and develop a comprehensive, indigenous Integrated Track Monitoring System that:
• Fully complies with RDSO Specification TM/IM/448, Rev. 1: 2023 and EN 13848 standards.
• Supports modularity, ease of maintenance, and cost efficiency.

Technical Scope

Sub-systems:
• Track geometry measurement system
• Full rail profile and wear measurement system
• Condition monitoring of track components
• Acceleration measurement system
• Infringement measurement to MMD/SOD
• Rear window video recording system

Data Acquisition & Sampling:
• Sampling interval: 25 cm
• Operable under dynamic loads at speeds from 0–200 km/h
• Real-time acquisition and processing capability

Data Processing & Analysis:
• Onboard server for real-time data filtering and analysis
• Software must:
– Eliminate environmental and operational noise
– Extract and analyze track geometry parameters & track component conditions
– Comply with EN 13848 Part 1 & 2 and RDSO TM/IM/448, Rev. 1: 2023 accuracy standards

Output & Storage:
• Chainage-mapped outputs for:
– Track Geometry: Gauge, alignment, unevenness, twist, cross level, curve
– Dynamic Parameters: Vertical & lateral acceleration
– Rail Condition: Profile and wear
– Track Components: Rail surface, fastenings, ballast, sleepers
– Synchronized rear-view video footage
– Exportable data in standard formats (CSV, XML, JPEG, AVI)
• Secure storage and archival capability

Key Performance Parameters

• Maximum Speed: 200 km/h
• Sampling Rate: 25 cm
• Accuracy: As per EN 13848 Part 2 & RDSO TM/IM/448, Rev. 1: 2023
• Real-time Processing: Required
• Chainage Mapping: Mandatory (via axle encoder)

Eligibility

Open to:
• Startups
• Entrepreneurs
• Academic & research institutions
• Industry professionals and R&D organizations
• Collaborative consortia involving any of the above

Evaluation Criteria

• Technical feasibility and innovation – 10 marks
• Standards compliance (EN 13848 & RDSO TM/IM/448, Rev. 1:2023) – 40 marks
• Hardware robustness, modularity & compactness – 20 marks
• Software usability & architecture – 10 marks
• Scalability, maintainability & upgradability – 10 marks
• Cost-effectiveness – 10 marks
Total = 100 marks

Deliverables

Successful participants must submit:
• A fully functional prototype (hardware + software)
• Comprehensive technical documentation
• Validation report demonstrating standards compliance
• Video demonstration (lab/field performance)
• Cost analysis and scalability roadmap

Conclusion

This initiative is a step toward achieving technological independence in railway infrastructure monitoring. By fostering domestic innovation, Indian Railways aims to reduce reliance on foreign systems, cut long-term costs, and deploy tailored solutions better suited to India’s operational context.