The first Czech turnouts allowing 160 km/h on diverging tracks proved reliable even in extreme weather. A new model pushing the limit to 230 km/h is already in preparation.
Five years
after the installation of the first two high-speed turnouts on the Czech
railway network, DT – Výhybkárna a strojírna has concluded its trial operation.
According to the manufacturer, the goal of the testing was to demonstrate the
reliability of the product.
These are
the first turnouts in the Czech Republic that allow trains to pass through the
diverging route at speeds of up to 160 km/h. In the straight direction, they
are designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, though such speeds cannot be tested
under current conditions in the Czech Republic. The turnouts are installed in
Prosenice.
The trial
operation was conducted under real-world conditions, supervised by a research
and development team. Throughout the process, experts carefully monitored the
technical condition of the equipment. “We can confirm that they performed well
even under extreme weather conditions. The results confirm the high technical
standard and reliability of this solution. We are now preparing the final
technical report and will apply to Správa železnic (the Railway Administration)
for approval for regular use on the Czech rail network,” said Marek Smolka, CEO
of DT – Výhybkárna a strojírna.
Approval is
expected to open the door for broader use of the product on busy railway
sections as well as on future high-speed rail lines. “This project represents a
significant step not only towards higher speeds on Czech railways, but above
all towards more reliable and smoother railway operations,” Smolka added.
Source: https://www.zdopravy.cz/
Author: CzechTrade Australia