RB flags lax investigation in spring and brake faults

26 Sep 2023 CW Team

The Railway Board has issued a directive for a more comprehensive investigation into cases where mechanical probes have reported no defects, even as automated systems have raised concerns. In a letter addressed to zonal railways earlier this month, the Railway Board expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of Primary Spring failures and brake binding in coaches.

These automated alerts, generated by the On-line Monitoring of Rolling Stock System (OMRS), rely on acoustic analysis along railway tracks to evaluate the health of rail equipment. However, discrepancies have emerged during physical examinations that follow alerts from the Wheel Condition Monitor (WCM), which typically lead to the replacement of railway wheels after defects are identified.

"While scrutinizing failure reports with high OMRS alert values (> 350KN) for coaches, it has come to our attention that some Railways have reported 'no defect found,'" the Railway Board stated in its communication. Likewise, in cases of brake binding, frequent remarks indicating "nothing found wrong" have been observed.

Brake binding refers to instances when the train's brakes fail to return to their original position after deployment, resulting in potential damage to the train's equipment and safety concerns.

The Railway Board's call for a more in-depth investigation aims to address these disparities between automated alerts and subsequent mechanical inspections. Ensuring the safety and reliability of railway equipment remains paramount, and this directive underscores the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of rail safety in the United Kingdom.

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