Indian Railways To Roll Out Integrated Track Monitoring System Nationwide

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the nationwide implementation of the Integrated Track Monitoring System (ITMS) to modernise railway infrastructure and enhance safety.

During an event at New Delhi Station, the minister highlighted the importance of adopting advanced technology to improve track maintenance and ensure better working conditions for trackmen.

ITMS, a state-of-the-art system, uses Track Recording Cars (TRCs) equipped with advanced sensors and analytics to monitor and record track conditions in real-time at speeds of 20–200 km/h.

Features include contactless laser sensors to assess track alignment and geometry, high-speed cameras to detect defects, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for 3D mapping.

The collected data is processed through analytics software and integrated into the Track Management System (TMS), providing railway officials with detailed reports for effective decision-making.

The system enhances operational efficiency and safety by enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

ITMS offers comprehensive analysis through sub-systems like the Track Geometry Measuring System, which evaluates critical parameters such as gauge, cant, alignment, and rail wear.

Deployed in phases since 2022, three ITMS units are currently operational, with a plan to expand the fleet to seven TRCs by 2024-25.

These units are set to monitor approximately 2.54 lakh kilometers of railway tracks.

The supplier firm is responsible for maintaining the systems for seven years, ensuring long-term reliability and technological upgrades.

The initiative aligns with the government's vision of using modern technology for smarter, safer, and more efficient railway operations.

It not only eases the workload of trackmen but also enhances passenger safety and the overall reliability of India’s extensive railway network.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that ITMS will play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable development of Indian Railways, leveraging real-time data to predict maintenance needs and improve infrastructure.