IIT Delhi, Indian Railways develop train simulation software

NEW DELHI: Researchers at Indian Institute of technology (IIT) Delhi and Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), a unit of Ministry of Railways, have together developed a train simulation software named ‘Runtrain#’, according to an IIT Delhi statement.

The new technology can be used for building train schedules and timetables by the Indian Railways. ‘Runtrain#’ Simulation software is an update of ‘Runtrain’ software being used by the Indian Railways since the 1990s.

As per the press release, the research project has been developed under the guidance of Subir Kumar Saha, principal investigator and Satinder Paul Singh, mechanical engineering department. Other team members included Bhanu Vardhan Chennoju, Shashwat Jain, Vishnu Sukumar, and Rajeevlochana G Chittawadigi.

“Runtrain# was developed to analyze a wide range of train running parameters (TRP) such as running time, fuel consumption, coupler force, and so on. These parameters help the railway personnel in deciding how many locomotives, stock, etc. are to be used and scheduling. The software's ease of use and visual graphics representation of output make it useful for analyzing frequently occurring planning issues such as the impact of temporary changes in speed restrictions, halts, train configuration, and so on”, the statement said.

Speaking of the Runtrain# simulation software, SK Saha, mechanical engineering department, IIT Delhi said: “There is a paradigm shift in railway operations. Over recent years, demand for passenger and freight transport has increased significantly.

He added that 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.”

BPS Bhadoria, joint director, motive power directorate, RDSO wrote a letter to the IIT Delhi researchers telling them that the simulation software Runtrain# has been conferred with Best Research Project Shield in RDSO for the year 2020-21.

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