Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor to Feature High-Speed Movable Crossings

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is bringing a new railway technology to India with the introduction of movable crossings, also called swing-nose crossings. The system is being deployed on the high-speed corridor to support safe and dependable train operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph.

The technology represents a significant change from the fixed crossings generally used on conventional Indian railway routes. In a fixed crossing, there is a small gap at the crossing nose where the rails meet. At very high speeds, particularly above 250-300 kmph, trains passing over this section can experience greater wheel-rail forces.

These forces can contribute to increased vibration, structure-borne noise and wear on both railway components and train wheels. Irregularities in the track can further affect wheel movement as trains pass through the turnout. The movable crossing is designed to overcome this limitation. Instead of leaving a gap in the rail path, the crossing nose moves into position along with the switch rails. This creates a continuous running surface for the wheels and allows them to remain properly guided throughout the turnout.

For passengers, the technology is expected to result in smoother train movement with less vibration and interior noise. From an infrastructure perspective, reducing repeated impact forces could also help limit wear on rails, turnouts and rolling-stock components. The high-speed turnouts will use two independent point machines to control the system. One point machine operates and locks the switch rails, while the second controls and locks the movable crossing nose. The two machines function together through the railway's signalling and control system.

When a route is selected, the signalling interlocking system commands both components to move into their required positions. The train movement is authorised only after the system confirms that the switch rails and movable crossing have reached the correct positions and are securely locked. This arrangement provides an additional level of operational security because the continuous rail path must be correctly established and mechanically secured at both critical points before a train can pass through the turnout.

The point machines themselves are designed to meet demanding high-speed railway requirements. They need accurate movement control, precise positioning and strong locking mechanisms capable of handling the forces generated during high-speed train operations. Multiple detection and verification mechanisms are also incorporated into the system. These checks confirm the final position and locking status of both the switch rails and movable crossing. The interlocking system will release the route only after the required confirmations have been received. The adoption of movable crossings and dual point-machine technology is therefore an important part of the MAHSR infrastructure, supporting the corridor's requirements for safety, smoother rides, reduced equipment wear and reliable operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NHSRCL.