Project information
- Acronym: NETWORK-MONITOR
- Network Surveillance and Monitoring
- Sector: Railway System
- Project start date: 01/01/2024
- Duration: 36 months
- Project director: Frédéric Henon
- Project manager:
- Status: ongoing project
- Project code: 2024/RSF/832
Project description
This project aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for creating a “network monitoring policy” for Infrastructure Managers (IMs) and Railway Undertakings/Entity in Charge of Maintenance (RUs/ECM) across Europe. The methodology is inspired by the REX JNS Italian case, which provides valuable insights into Hot Axle Box Detectors/Dragged Foreign Objects (HABD/DFS) thresholds, numbers, and locations.
The primary objective of this project is to develop an Integrated Risk Score (IRS) under an Alternative Means of Compliance (AMoC). This IRS will incorporate a systemic approach, considering various factors and variables that influence the overall network performance and safety.
A significant aspect of this project involves the integration of various types of sensors and detectors, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These devices will be strategically placed on the track and on-board trains using the network. The data collected from these sensors will provide real-time insights into the network’s performance, enabling proactive maintenance and enhancing overall network efficiency.
In conclusion, this project represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to improve railway network monitoring and maintenance in Europe. By integrating a systemic approach with advanced IoT devices, it aims to enhance network performance, safety, and efficiency. The lessons learned from the REX JNS Italian case will provide valuable insights to guide the project’s implementation and ensure its success.
Project objectives
The railway system is a dynamic entity that requires constant monitoring. The diversity of railway lines, varying in geographical areas, levels of traffic, and other factors, necessitates a tailored approach to policy design and organisation of evolutions and adaptations.
The project’s primary objective is to design a monitoring policy that is customised to the unique characteristics of each case. This involves understanding the specific needs and challenges of different railway lines and developing a policy that effectively addresses these factors.
Another key objective is to organize evolutions and adaptations in a way that ensures the railway system can respond effectively to changing conditions and requirements. This involves continuous monitoring and assessment of the system’s performance and making necessary adjustments to the policy and practices.
If the project is not successfully executed, there is a risk that harmonized processes and common results may not be shared by the railway and stations community. This could potentially lead to the recurrence of incidents like the “Italy Fixed brake block events”. Therefore, the successful execution of this project is crucial to prevent such incidents and ensure the smooth operation of the railway system.
In terms of execution, the project will be carried out through a systematic process that involves careful planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. This process will ensure that the project’s objectives are met and that the railway system is effectively monitored and managed. The project’s success will contribute significantly to the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the railway system.