Portable Hydraulic Tamping Machines to Make Track

Maintenance Faster, Easier, and More Cost-Effective

Prayagraj, Oct 24 (HS): North Central Railway (NCR) is

adopting a state-of-the-art portable hydraulic tamping machine to ensure

effective, efficient, and safe maintenance of railway tracks. Under the able

leadership of General Manager Naresh Pal Singh, North Central Railway is

continuously integrating new technological innovations, and this machine has

proven to be a highly valuable addition.

The machine is specifically designed for isolated locations

and railway yards where track ballast has become loose and immediate

maintenance is required.

Key features and benefits of this machine include:

Efficient Tamping Process: Equipped with four tamping tools,

the machine can tamp a single sleeper in two sequential passes—effectively

tamping one end of the sleeper in the first pass and the other end in the

second.

High Vibration Frequency: The vibration frequency is set to

match that of heavy-duty track maintenance machinery, ensuring equally robust

and effective tamping results.

Off-Track and Portable Design: Being an 'off-track' unit, it

can be easily removed from the track when necessary and stationed in a siding

or yard. Its portability reduces reliance on large, heavy equipment.

Utility for Points and Crossings: The machine is fully

capable of tamping yard lines as well as complex points and crossings.

Reduced Manpower and Time Savings: The machine requires a

maximum of only 4 personnel for its operation. This significantly reduces the

time and labor required for traditional manual packing and tamping.

A step towards indigenization: Currently, this machine is

imported. General Manager Mr. Naresh Pal Singh has issued instructions to

develop an indigenous—'Make in India'—version of this machine by incorporating

practical improvements.

It is worth to be mentioned that this machine offers

off-track accessibility. It can be easily maneuvered to perform packing on both

sides of the sleepers, and it also facilitates the tamping of points and

crossings. Its vibration frequency is as effective as that of heavy-duty

machinery, yet it can be easily operated by just four people. Compared to

traditional manual packing, this hydraulic tamping machine offers a

cost-effective, rapid, and efficient alternative. Ensuring proper and timely

packing of sleepers will lead to significant improvements in the safety of rail

operations and the reliability of track parameters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi