Why in the News?
The Northeast Frontier Railway achieved its highest-ever single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System.
About Plasser’s Quick Relaying System
- A modern semi-mechanised track relaying system used for rapid replacement of railway tracks
• Developed by Plasser & Theurer
• Designed to speed up track renewal while reducing traffic disruption
• Enhances safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency
Key Features
- Uses self-propelled portal cranes operating on an auxiliary track of 3400 mm gauge
• Auxiliary track has the same centre line as the track being renewed
• Portal cranes can self-load and unload materials from Bogie Flat Wagons (BFRs)
• High lifting capacity up to 9 tonnes
• Capable of handling 13 m long PRC sleeper panels
• Suitable for new track construction and modernisation of existing tracks
Benefits
- Faster renewal of longer track lengths within shorter traffic blocks
• Minimal disruption to train operations
• Cost effective due to reduced manual labour
• Lowers life-cycle maintenance costs
• Improves precision and safety in track laying
Prelims Pointers
- PQRS is a semi-mechanised, not fully automated system
• Uses portal cranes, not conventional cranes
• Works in coordination with Bogie Flat Wagons
• Key objective is rapid track renewal with minimal traffic block
| Consider the following statements: [2025]
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section. Which of the statements given above are not correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III |
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