IIT-D with RDSO, revamps train scheduling software
THE Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi has announced its collaboration with Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), a unit of Ministry of Railways, on the development of a train simulation software named ‘Runtrain#’ that outputs results, which can be incorporated into timetabling methods.
New Delhi: THE Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi has announced its collaboration with Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), a unit of Ministry of Railways, on the development of a train simulation software named 'Runtrain#' that outputs results, which can be incorporated into timetabling methods. According to the première institute, the software was developed to analyse a wide range of train running parameters (TRPs) such as running time, fuel consumption, coupler force, and so on. It is an update of 'Runtrain' software being used by the Indian Railways since 1990s. BPS Bhadoria, Joint Director, Motive Power Directorate, RDSO, in his congratulatory letter addressed to the IIT Delhi researchers shared that the project to develop the simulation software Runtrain# has been conferred with Best Research Project Shield in RDSO for the year 2020-21.
The simulation software Runtrain# has been developed under the guidance of Prof Subir Kumar Saha, principal investigator, and Prof Satinder Paul Singh, Mechanical Engineering Department, IIT Delhi.
According to the developers of the software, TRPs help the railway personnel in deciding how many of locomotives, stock, etc. are to be used and scheduled. The upgraded software's ease of use and visual graphics representation of output makes it useful for analysing frequently occurring planning issues such as the impact of temporary changes in speed restrictions, halts, train configuration, and so on.
"There is a paradigm shift in railway operations. Over recent years, demand for passenger and freight transport has increased significantly. As a result, Indian Railways is consistently working to increase operating speeds of trains as well as advanced traffic management to meet societal demands. In this time, a simulation tool like Runtrain# will be a valuable tool to efficiently plan and schedule trains. Indigenous software for railway applications will also provide complete customisation and flexibility to users," said SK Saha, Mechanical Engineering Dept, IIT Delhi.
