A Reliable Low-Cost Interlocking System for Regional Railway Lines

Abstract

This article deals with the topic of remote control systems for railway transport with a focus on increasing the safety of transport on regional rail lines and increasing the reliability of the RadioBlock interlocking system to ensure the sustainability of operations on lines with lower traffic volume. The paper provides a general explanation of traffic management through control centres, while also considering the efficiency aspects of remote control, which allows for more efficient operation on lines, which has a direct impact on the maintenance of traffic and services, especially on regional lines. As well, the analytical part of the article is focussed on the RadioBlock interlocking system, including an explanation of its operating procedures and technical shortcomings. The next section presents the characteristics of using radio frequency technology in rail transport. This is followed by a proposal for upgrading the RadioBlock system by implementing radio frequency technology, and a description of the traffic management according to the proposal is also given. The characteristics of the proposed solution are then presented, which enables the safety of train movements without the need to install a costly train protection system, including the acquisition of expensive equipment. There is also a summary of the results obtained and a reflection on the future direction of research in the field of alternative interlocking systems.