Railway Metrics and Dynamics Sweden: RMD's sensors to Indian Railways

Railway Metrics and Dynamics has signed an agreement with JK Exim for the testing and evaluation of PMU sensors with state-owned Indian Railways.

India is currently undertaking one of the world's largest rail infrastructure initiatives. This year alone, investments totaling SEK 280 billion are being made to modernize the rail network and improve capacity, safety, and sustainability. Thousands of kilometers of track are being upgraded to accommodate heavier trains and higher speeds. At the same time, construction is underway on India's first high-speed rail line - between Mumbai and Ahmedabad - using Japanese technology. Today, over 96% of India's broad-gauge rail network is electrified, which has significantly reduced the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

New technology is the way forward
There is strong interest in new technologies, especially systems for real-time monitoring, automation, predictive maintenance, onboard camera systems, and safety solutions. AI- and Machine Learning-based systems are in high demand - making RMD's product offering highly relevant. RMD has now signed an agreement with JK Exim for testing and evaluation of PMU sensors and the AI-based platform that processes sensor data in real time, on Indian Railways rolling stock.

- Initially, we are installing a few sample PMU sensors, and the first trials will focus on real-time monitoring of rolling stock in passenger service, says Anish Gupta, COO of JK Exim and responsible for system integration.

- We will begin by equipping trial coaches with a few PMUs. These coaches will then be used under regular traffic conditions. We understand that placing PMUs on passenger coaches can enable many types of operational improvements, but initially we will focus on monitoring axle bearings, wheel profiles, wheel flats, and evaluating passenger ride comfort (Ride Index), Anish Gupta continues.

Clear objectives and large-scale investment
For the fiscal year 2024-2025, India has allocated over SEK 280 billion to rail projects, with a focus on infrastructure, safety, and digitalization. In addition, parts of the rail operation - such as train services, maintenance, and stations - are being opened up to private investment.

One key objective is to increase freight capacity by establishing new dedicated freight corridors that offer faster and more reliable service while relieving pressure on the passenger network.
Another long-term goal is to become carbon-neutral by 2030. Solar panels are being installed along rail corridors, and the renewable energy generated will be used both in operations and in maintenance facilities.

A large market with strong potential
India operates the world's fourth-largest national rail network - making the market potential for RMD's products and services substantial.

- Each year, 8,000 new railcars are built and another 2,000 are refurbished. All are to be equipped with modern technology, says Anish Gupta.

- That said, we are still in an early stage, and many things need to fall into place. But we look forward to the trials, and it will be interesting to see how the system performs in India's climate and under the country's varying temperature conditions, Gupta adds.

Throughout the trial period, RMD and Indian Railways - via JK Exim - will maintain a continuous dialogue to address any technical issues, such as mobile network coverage, data compatibility, and localization.

- This is a very exciting opportunity for us, says Jan Lindqvist, CEO of Railway Metrics and Dynamics. A trial like this may not sound like much, but the chance to demonstrate RMD's technology on the Indian market is fantastic.

Extended test period
The PMU sensors will be shipped to India at the end of May, with testing scheduled to begin in mid-June and continue for 4-6 months. Initially, data will be sent to RMD's servers in Stockholm, but over time local data storage will be necessary.

- These are all questions we'll address as part of the ongoing discussions during the trial, concludes Anish Gupta.

About Indian Railways
Indian Railways is a state-owned enterprise under India's Ministry of Railways and operates the country's national rail network. India has the world's fourth-largest railway system, with a total track length of 135,207 km, an operating track length of 109,748 km, and a route length of 69,181 km. 97% of the broad-gauge network is now electrified.

Indian Railways runs one of the world's largest rail operations. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the railway operated an average of 13,198 passenger trains per day, serving 7,325 stations - corresponding to approximately 6.9 billion passenger trips annually.

During the same period, Indian Railways ran an average of 11,724 freight trains per day and transported a total of 1.59 billion tonnes of freight.

Major rolling stock manufacturer
Indian Railways is also a major manufacturer of rolling stock, with several large, state-owned production facilities located across the country - making the organization both an operator and a manufacturer.

The first locomotive factory, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), was established in 1950 and remains one of the world's largest producers of electric locomotives.

Railcar production is extensive and spread across multiple manufacturing plants, producing both conventional coaches and modern trains such as the Vande Bharat Express.

Indian Railways owns approximately 327,000 freight wagons, 91,000 passenger coaches, and more than 15,000 locomotives - the majority of which are electric