Source: DD News
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has set a record single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS).
About Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS):
What it is?
- Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) is a semi-mechanised track renewal technology used by Indian Railways to remove old track panels and replace them with new prefabricated rail panels efficiently within short traffic blocks.
Developed by: Plasser & Theurer, an Austria-based global leader in railway track maintenance and construction machinery
Aim:
- To speed up track renewal while minimising traffic disruption.
- To enhance track safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency.
- To reduce manual labour and lifecycle maintenance costs.
How it works?
- PQRS uses self-propelled portal cranes that move on an auxiliary track (3,400 mm gauge) aligned with the existing track.
- Old rail panels (rails + sleepers) are lifted and removed, and new prefabricated panels are placed using Track Laying Equipment (TLE).
- Retrieved old panels are directly transferred to BFRs (Bogie Flat Wagons), eliminating extra freight handling.
Key features:
- Portal cranes: Self-loading, self-unloading cranes capable of lifting complete rail panels.
- High lifting capacity:
- Older models: ~5 tonnes (9 m panels)
- Newer models (PQRS-201): up to 9 tonnes, lifting 13 m PRC sleeper panels
- Integrated gripping system: Sleeper grippers and rail clamps securely hold panels during lifting and placement.
- Turntable mechanism: Enables cranes to be turned and placed on/off BFRs even in mid-sections.
- Compact and modular design: Reduces maintenance cost and improves operational flexibility.
Significance:
- Faster renewals: Allows renewal of longer track lengths in shorter traffic blocks.
- Improved safety: Ensures uniform track geometry and reduces human error.
