Reliable train detection in flood-prone Howrah Yard
Train Detection, ServicesIndia

Reliable train detection in flood-prone Howrah Yard

Operator
Indian Railways
Country
India
Partner
MRT Signals Limited
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Yard
Products
FAdC, RSR180
Year
2020
Scope of project
Train Detection System and Life Cycle Services
Download

Howrah Yard, located in West Bengal, is one of the busiest and most operationally critical railway yards in India. Frauscher delivered a reliable train detection solution for Howrah Yard, improving availability by ensuring uninterrupted operations despite severe flooding conditions while reducing maintenance requirements.

Howrah Yard in West Bengal is one of India’s most operationally critical railway yards, serving both Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway with a dense mix of long-distance and suburban traffic. High train frequency means even minor disruptions escalate quickly into significant delays.

Howrah Yard faced demanding environmental conditions, including seasonal flooding during monsoon periods and worn/rusty rail profiles in certain sections. These issues had negative effects on existing DC/AC track circuits, requiring frequent maintenance interventions and increased operational complexity.

Frauscher implemented the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC, a SIL 4 axle counting system, together with the Wheel Sensor RSR180. A centralized architecture covering 171 detection points across 112 track sections was deployed, with axle counter cubicles installed in the Central Relay Room. The clamp-on RSR180 sensor eliminated rail drilling, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance efforts. The system operates without trackside electronics, ensuring stable performance in flooded environments. Integration with Railnet enabled real-time remote monitoring and proactive maintenance.

The solution’s performance was formally recognized through a Performance Certificate issued by Eastern Railway, and subsequently an Annual Maintenance Contract was awarded in October 2024 – confirming continued confidence in the Frauscher solution.

Reliable operations in all conditions

Consistent train detection during monsoon waterlogging and across worn rail profiles, supporting uninterrupted yard operations.

Reduced maintenance effort

Clamp-on sensor design eliminates rail drilling and allows quick removal during rail replacement, minimising operational disruption.

Improved system availability

Remote monitoring via Railnet enables proactive maintenance and real-time visibility, supporting higher uptime in a high-traffic environment.

Remote diagnostics & monitoring

Integrated with RailNet, Frauscher Diagnostic System FDS provides real-time remote diagnostics, enabling proactive maintenance and rapid issue solving.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train Detection, ServicesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Cutting delays through data-driven maintenance

Frauscher has supported the Paddington project by implementing Frauscher Insights Diagnostics, a cloud-based monitoring solution that increases data usefulness and availability. By providing faster fault analysis and health messages, Frauscher Insights has helped Network Rail improve reliability, reduce downtime and delay minutes by up to 80%, and shift towards a proactive maintenance approach.
Learn More
Train DetectionIndia

Ensuring reliable rail operations across India´s longest railroad bridge

The Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest railroad bridge that connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, carrying both rail and road traffic across the Brahmaputra River. Harsh environmental conditions and structural constraints made conventional signaling impractical. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC axle counting system was selected for its proven reliability and low maintenance requirements, even in challenging conditions.
Learn More
Train DetectionFrance

Axle counting adds fail-safe control to laser diagnostics

When MERMEC set out to install a laser-based Wheel Profile Measurement System in close proximity to the Eurotunnel, they faced a critical challenge: how to avoid unintended laser exposure without compromising the system’s ability to inspect up to 200 trains per day. To meet these requirements, MERMEC partnered with Frauscher.
Learn More
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Class 1 Grade Crossing Enhancement FAdC and RSR180

Frauscher was approached by a US Class 1 railroad regarding a grade crossing owned and operated by them, on a track crossing a public road. The operator’s main goal was to find a signaling solution that would seamlessly integrate with the current crossing controller and keep the crossing operational under challenging operational conditions. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and Wheel Sensor RSR180 were chosen as the ideal solution for this particular project.
Learn More
Train DetectionUnited States of America

MTA Baltimore North Avenue Yard

In this project, reliable and precise train detection was needed to automate the yard and significantly increase efficiency and safety. To meet these requirements, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdCi and Wheel Sensors RSR180 were selected for this automation project.
Learn More