Train operations, railway signalling
Trains are safe and reliable for mass transport of people and goods.
However the movement of trains is a hazardous operation, because of the long braking distances.
The driver has to rely on the signalling system.
The track is divided in blocks to ensure train seperation which limits the traffic density.
Level crossings are a potential risk for accidents.
Civil, electrical and mechanical engineering is a continuous process to introduce improvements.
And now also information and telecommunications engineering is needed for the modern rail traffic management system ERTMS/ETCS.
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ERTMS / ETCS
A constant tracking and tracing of trains and setting routes has to be performed to keep trains moving.
Modern information and telecommunications technology is needed to continuously process data.
On board the movement of the train is guarded in relation to the track and speed profile given by the movement authority.
At the trackside train seperation, route setting and traffic management is performed.
This is the real time train operations process.
A complex and safety critical system which demands high skilled people to build and maintain.
The safe movement of trains strongly rely on this railway signalling system.
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