A dedicated Track Analytics Cell (TAC) is being established by Indian Railways with focus on making the system more efficient plus increasing reliability as to running of the trains. Given the volume of trains being run today, a dedicated cell to restore health of tracks in case of input about immediate rectification was indeed need of the time. The Railways, in a communication to Principal Chief Engineers (PCEs), informed about need to set-up the cell at each of the divisions.

 

At present, there are about 60 divisions over Indian Railways and at apex level, Chief Project Director, Track Management System, Northern Railways, is entrusted responsibility of overseeing the arrangement. For manning the TAC, one Permanent Way (P.Way) supervisor would function as In-charge of the Cell, one or two track maintainers who are proficient in computer usage and the divisional cell will work under Sr DEN (Co). IRICEN is directed to work with CRIS to arrange short term course and online lectures for training of personnel posted in these Cells. As per Railways, the main focus of setting dedicated TAC is to ensure quick plus actionable points post analysis of the track data. Presently, post digitisation over Indian Railways, the volume of data is being generated relating to maintenance, planning and execution over multiple web based platforms. They are collated through Track Management System (TMS), Bridge Management System (BMS) and such dedicated portal for each of the verticals. While the huge data being generated needs time has come to ensure faster action at ground level.

 

Thus, TAC would ensure that Branch Officers do not delay the required rectification measure post analysis of the data in case of rail fracture, wear and tear of the track and or any other related issue. Explaining the idea and laying out working for TAC, Principal Executive Director, CE (Planning), Railway Board Prem Sagar elaborated on day-to-day monitoring and data compliance. Herein, the thrust is on continuous monitoring of safety related data in TMS and immediate relay of any abnormality to Sr DEN, ADEN and SSE/PWay (In-charge) and Section JE/SSE to ensure prompt action. Further post relay of alert the senior officials are expected to monitor the programme on the said issue as to time taken for compliance and till its resolution. Similarly, the Cell working under CPD, TMS, NR, is also tasked with relaying information received from various divisions with division officials. In second leg, the TAC is expected to handling and rectify anomalies, address discrepancies, or add exception to reports available on TMS.

 

They are also supposed to follow-up with field officials to ensure the issues identified are addressed in time bound manner . Further the data in TMS should be regularly updated as to asset inspection, plus compliance of deficiencies detected in inspection, data about asset renewal and attention of location identified during TRC and OMS runs. Another important point is New Data Fields and Features wherein the same is filled in TMS. Division officials are also advised to concentrate on training and capacity building so that they know how to leverage TMS features.