G-CODE

Clearance gauge common codification

Project information

Acronym: G-CODE
Clearance gauge common codification
Project start date: 10/11/2021
Project duration: 36 months
Project director: Christian Chavanel
Project manager: Marcos Conceição
Status: ongoing project
Project code: 2021/RSF/705

Project description

The G-CODE project aims at harmonising the various codification methodologies for the gauge for IMs and rolling stock, improving interoperability and network accessibility throughout the EU network and accelerating and simplifying the process for exceptional consignments.

This UIC project aims to harmonise the different codification methodologies of gauge, for (IMs) and rolling stock (RUs), improving interoperability and network accessibility throughout the EU network, and accelerating and simplifying the process for exceptional consignments.

The key outcomes of the project, will be the following:

guideline: Common rules for IMs and RUs for a harmonised codification methodology of gauge
software tool that allows to verify compatibility and correspondence between IMs – RUs gauges, and enables the maximum capacity of railway lines, optimised routing, and available alternative routes

The new harmonised methodology would enhance the rail sector and make it more competitive regarding other modes of transport, contributing to improve the interoperability, by significantly reducing costs and administrative procedures for IMs, and for RUs wishing to operate across Europe.

According to the vision and goals in Challenge 2050, railway transport is a competitive and viable first choice of transport mode in terms of cost and quality of service for both passenger and freight users thus supporting the economy of European member states. Railway is a “value for money” choice in 2050 as a result of developing a number of policies. Interoperability is a key element.

The network performance needs to be optimised by real-time traffic management, maximising capacity, optimising energy and minimising inconvenience to the passenger and the freight user. In that scenario, on the rare occasions when disruption occurs, services are automatically and dynamically reconfigured and customers advised.

Regarding the RTSE, it can be extracted that funding must be targeted among others at eliminating system barriers to capacity constraints, interoperability, including gauge variances and incompatibilities, etc.

Project objectives

A project to improve interoperability, and to:

Strengthen the communication/cooperation between IMs and RUs,
Increase transparency on the access conditions of railway lines,
Promote the use of lines by RUs, attracting additional traffic.

Project structure

WP1: Benchmark studies

State of the art on infrastructure and rolling stock codification

WP2: Infrastructure and rolling stock assessment

Analysis of parameters, factors and established rules affecting railway gauge
Revision and description of responsibilities (for IMs and RUs side) for determination, computation, assessment of compatibilities, monitoring, and maintenance of railway gauge

WP3: Development of an application software tool

Development of a software tool that
- allows to verify compatibility and correspondence between the different vehicles and infrastructure type gauges, and
- enables the maximum capacity of railway lines, allowing the proposals for optimised routing, and proposing available alternative routes, based on RTM and other similar open application tools for railway network representation

WP4: Guidelines

Definition of guidelines: Railway gauge - common rules for infrastructure and rolling stock for a harmonised codification methodology
Proposal for IRS, “Harmonised codification methodology on railway gauge”
External dissemination