Railways have long been the most reliable and primary source of transportation globally. Name any country, whether it is India, China, Japan, France, the UK, or the USA; railways have been the most significant part of their public transportation infrastructure since their invention. In India, Rail is also heavily used for transporting goods from one part of the country to another. However, many public transportation systems still depend on outdated, archaic technologies when it comes to signalling, location tracking, rail vehicles, rolling stock, etc. It becomes more complex when new carriages still ply on old tracks. It also makes any kind of upgrade more difficult and costly.
RFID technology, as a wireless, cost-effective, globally standardized technology offers several solutions that are now modernizing railways. The technology is being used in improving signalling, track changes, location tracking, passenger convenience, etc.
Let’s explore how RFID is helping modernize railways in detail:
Digital Railway Signal Transmission with RFID
For long, railway signalling has been visual, relying on visual signalling along the track that is seen by railway pilots. Using RFID technology, this process can be optimized from a visual medium to a digital medium where RFID tags are used on tracks to transmit signals. With RFID, the reliance on visual signals, which are often affected by line-of-sight and adverse weather conditions can be eliminated and made secondary.
So how does this work?
The RFID-based railway signalling on tracks utilizes RFID transponders on the track bed, and RFID readers and antennas mounted on the railway vehicles. Via a sensor cable, the RFID tags are connected to the existing signalling infrastructure where these cables can be several hundred meters long.
When a train passes through the track, the RFID reader detects the RFID tag on the track and updates track-related information with that RFID tag without any changes in the existing signalling system. RFID tags on tracks make visual signalling secondary and the driver can use the new track switching, platform-related information from tag ID to make informed decisions, irrespective of the weather conditions. The information is fed directly to the railway pilot using the TCP/IP, UDP telegrams, or serial communication available with the vehicle’s control systems.
RFID is Also Used in Rail Location Tracking
The RFID system being used here is UHF RFID or RAIN RFID system which doesn’t rely on any battery.
It uses passive UHF RFID tags that work on 860MHz -960 MHz frequency and offer excellent read range. RFID technology is utilized for precise location tracking of the vehicle, irrespective of weather conditions. RFID tags on track have unique IDs that can be linked with location information. When a rail passes through, it reads the RF signal and information in the tag which updates the real-time location data of the rail in a centralized system.
The location tracking data thus achieved helps with passenger information systems such as displaying the arrival and departure time of trains, scheduling, platform assigning, platform crowd control, passenger experience, etc.
EnCstore Meets All Your RFID Needs!
Get best quality RFID Readers, RFID Tags, Antennas and Printers from top brands in AIDC industry.
Visit Our RFID Store
RFID Readers and RFID Tags Used in Railways
Coming to understanding which types of RFID readers and tags and antennas are suitable for such operations aimed at modernizing railways, there are a few options to choose from, including:
1.Zebra FX9600 RFID Reader
2. Zebra AN480 RFID Antenna
3. RFID Hard Tag- Rock UHF RFID Tag
4. RFID Tag- Edge 5050
5. 9dbi UHF RFID Antenna
These RFID Readers, tags, and antennas are designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments and offer great RF signal transmission for the purpose intended.
EnCstore offers premium quality RFID hardware including various types of tags, readers, printers, and antennas that can be used in various businesses including transportation, supply chain management, retail, etc. If you’re looking for RFID tags and readers for business automation, feel free to connect with us here.
Advantages of RFID in RAIL Transportation
Railways have been the bedrock of economic growth for over a century. It has gone through various changes over the years and now with RFID, it can get better. RFID technology offers great accuracy in data capture which overcomes adverse environmental conditions and functions well, eliminating the challenges with visual signalling, accident warning, track repair, track switching, and more.
The key advantages of RFID in Rail Transportation are:
1.RFID offers better signalling in railways, making visual signalling related to track changes, and other signals as secondary.
2. RFID technology is also used for location tracking of trains.
3. RFID enhances passenger-related services at railway stations, improving train scheduling, platform intimation, real-time arrival and departure intimation to passengers, etc. It improves train journeys for passengers.
4. RFID technology also improves passenger safety with advanced data capture and communication systems between railway pilots and station masters.
5. RFID tags are used on railway tracks as well as rolling stock to help keep track of the location of the train in real time. In India, this particularly helps with meeting the right schedules for goods delivery across the country.
Finally, RAIN RFID technology is used in railway modernization in many ways. RFID tags are deployed on railway tracks to advance rail signalling, track switching, etc., helping the rail pilots directly. RFID removes reliance on visual rail signalling in railways and prevents accidents, and derailing. RFID tags are also used on rolling stock to keep track of trains and their schedules, which boosts passenger experience and improves passenger-related communications at railway stations.
Frequently Asked Questions About RFID Uses in Railways
1.What is RFID technology, and how is it used in railways?
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology that uses radio frequency (RF) signals to identify and track tags attached to objects. In railways, RFID is used for location tracking, rail signalling, security, and automating maintenance processes.
2. How does RFID improve asset management in railways?
RFID enhances asset management by providing real-time tracking of rolling stock, such as trains and freight cars. With automated inventory updates, rail operators can easily monitor the location and status of assets, reducing delays and improving resource allocation.
3. Can RFID be used for passenger services in railways?
Yes, RFID technology can enhance passenger services by enabling contactless ticketing and boarding processes. Passengers can use RFID-enabled smart cards or mobile devices to gain access to trains, streamlining the boarding experience and reducing wait times.
4. What are the benefits of using RFID for train maintenance?
RFID simplifies the maintenance process by allowing railway operators to track maintenance schedules and monitor equipment conditions. This leads to proactive maintenance, reduces downtime, and ensures higher safety standards by maintaining rolling stock in optimal condition.
5. How does RFID enhance safety in railway operations?
RFID contributes to safety by enabling real-time monitoring of train locations and speeds. It can also be integrated with signalling systems to prevent collisions and ensure trains operate within safe parameters, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
6. Are there any challenges associated with implementing RFID in railways?
Yes, challenges include initial setup costs, potential interference from environmental factors, and the need for infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, ensuring data security and privacy for users is crucial, which requires robust systems and protocols.
7. How can RFID technology assist in freight tracking?
RFID provides real-time tracking of freight containers, allowing operators to monitor the location and status of goods in transit, ensuring better supply chain visibility, reducing loss or theft, and enhancing overall logistics efficiency.
8. What is the future of RFID technology in railways?
The future of RFID in railways looks promising, with advancements in IoT integration, data analytics, and automation.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general information purposes only and true to best of our understanding. Users are requested to use any information as per their own understanding and knowledge. Before using any of the information, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
