Track Master is the most suitable technology for conventional and high-speed rail construction. t's raining metros! One such project is the L&T Hyderabad Metro, one of the largest PPP projects in the metro space. For this mega project, the Track Master technology is being used for the second time in India after the Chennai Metro. The new Government has also proposed to establish a modern network of high-speed trains in the country. In this context, Satish Chandra Ayla, Joint General Manager-Track Work, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd, shares with AHLAM RAIS the features and plus points of this simple yet effective technology. What is Track Master? While constructing slab tracks (ballastless tracks), one has to opt for fast, precise measurements and immediate feedback during the installation. The Track Master is a trolley-based instrument used for the measurement of all relevant geometric track parameters by making use of various sensors. It is a simple, integrated system to measure precise adjustments, inspections and quality checks. In one operation, Track Master captures 3D coordinates of the track, together with gauge and cant. This information is then compared to the design, and offsets and correction values are displayed in the field. With its precision measurement systems, this is the best suitable instrument for conventional and high-speed rail construction. The basic requirement for this technology is the preliminary design of the track alignment, a skilled surveyor and a Total Station (an electronic or optical instrument used in modern surveying and building construction). Technical aspects Track Master addresses the technical issues related to track work. It helps carry out surveys and collection of high-resolution datasets that prove beneficial in track clearance assessments and facilities management, and to perform rough and precise adjustments, a final construction check or an after-project quality check. Plus points The latest track measuring device available, Track Master is lighter, flexible and more versatile. It has the capability to integrate GPS and GNSS receivers and the ability to use laser scanners for track clearance surveying applications. It provides accurate as-built survey documentation that proves useful for railway track maintenance and renovation. The lightweight design is ideally suited for projects where the track is under traffic or the operator is working alone. Track Master provides enhanced processing for track documentation and pre-measuring for tamping too. It is about 15 kg in weight, can be disassembled for easier transport and provides smooth data flow from the office space to the field. Other major advantages include: Universally applicable system. Compact and wireless. High-precision track surveying system, especially for slab track and tamping. Nominal or actual comparison in real time. Logging of all measurement data. Profitable and cost-effective owing to potential manpower reductions. 24 X 7 operation is possible. Considered for unlimited number of alignment elements and super-elevation areas. Flipside and cost factor Track Master is a sensitive and expensive instrument that has to be handled carefully. Periodical calibration and technically skilled surveyors are required to use the instrument. The approximate cost of this technology is Rs 60 lakh. As it is expensive, the initial cost of implementation is high. However, no subsequent costs are involved. Affordable for large projects, Track Master is not viable for smaller projects in terms of length and cost. This technology is available in the US and some European countries and can be procured within three to four months. Metro connection The technology is used for documentation of existing or new tracks. With its assistance, the entire track geometry in terms of position, gauge, cant, etc, is measured with high accuracy along with the geodetic reference that is realised by total station measurements. This technology has been implemented in the L&T Hyderabad Metro project all designed track data was imported to the Track Master, the Total Station fixed at the control point in the work location and then the Track Master positioned on the track. A connection was then established between the Total Station and Track Master using Bluetooth. After the connection was established, the Track Master was made to run on the track during which all the parameters pertaining to the location were recorded corresponding to the designed readings at that position, where work crews made the necessary adjustments as required. Challenge zone As this is a new technology, one can face some challenges in implementing it. The basic principles of this technology are different from the procedures adopted in conventional methods of measurement. Also, in a project like the Hyderabad Metro, there were huge variations in the readings obtained by using the present method and the new system. Therefore, a series of parallel activities was performed with both systems to arrive at the final consensus before this technique was used independently. Indian surveyors are using this system now after an initial orientation by the supplier. Need of the hour Currently, the level of awareness for this technology is low in India. However, it is slowly increasing owing to many upcoming metro projects. Track Master is precise, fast, increases productivity and tracks are installed according to the designed parameters without much variation. This also helps reduce efforts for periodical maintenance of the tracks. Hence, this technique reduces the need for manpower and recurring costs during operations on the tracks. With the construction industry facing acute workforce problem now, this is the best solution to minimise labour for track installation and maintenance. - Ahlam Rais Major features No track blocking necessary for operating lines. Completely cable-free. Can be used for various track gauges (broad gauge, standard gauge, etc). Data synchronisation with field control unit possible. Track parameter verification. User-friendly, flexible and fast processing of all collected data by graphical visualisation.