Technological research and development in railways must contribute to their effective management. With this in mind, the Signalling and Telecommunications Technology Division has been exploring a range of ideas. This paper outlines an advanced ATP compatible with existing systems, COMBAT or the block system with radio-based train detection, and protection for maintenance workers. It also describes level crossing obstacle detection by image processing, interlocking design assisted by information processing, and availability evaluation by a proposed method of critically evaluating sub-systems. In addition, it introduces quantitative analysis of basic phenomena in railways such as track circuit performance in shunting, effect of lightning and electro-magnetic noise in cars.

Copyright (c) 2004 Railway Technical Research Institute