Urban rail networks are under increasing pressure. As cities grow and public transport ridership rises exponentially, operators face the challenge of maintaining infrastructure without disrupting passenger services.
Vossloh’s HSG-city high speed grinding machine offers a groundbreaking solution: it is the only technology worldwide that enables rail grinding and condition monitoring at speeds of up to 60 kilometres an hour – during scheduled traffic.
This high-speed capability allows for cyclical, preventive maintenance without the need for track closures or service interruptions. The result: smoother rails, reduced noise emissions, and extended asset life – all while keeping trains running.
But the HSG-city is more than fast. It’s smart.
Equipped with a suite of integrated sensors, the machine continuously records the condition of the rail infrastructure.
It captures the complete transverse profile, including rail head deviation, wear, and longitudinal profile for corrugation detection.
It also measures track gauge, track position, and deformations. In tramway networks, the system even assesses groove depth using a non-contact optical measuring system with laser triangulation sensors.
Each measurement run is precisely geolocated using an odometer and Global Navigation Satellite System-based positioning, ensuring data accuracy down to the metre. The collected data is then uploaded to mapl-e, Vossloh’s digital platform, where it is pre-processed and visualised as a digital twin of the network.
mapl-e simplifies condition assessment using a traffic light system – green for “good,” yellow for “bad,” and red for “critical.” Asset managers can customise thresholds using variable tolerance bands, enabling targeted planning of maintenance activities such as noise reduction or structural preservation.
The HSG-city has already been deployed in more than 20 countries, including Germany, France, China, Canada, and Australia.
Mathew Waterhouse, Business Development/Operations Manager for Vossloh, said the HSG-city has proven its value in Sydney’s autonomous metro system.
“HSG-city ensures acoustically optimised rail surfaces, as confirmed by mapl-e’s before-and-after comparisons showing the impact of targeted grinding campaigns,” he said.
“The technology is fully approved and operational in Australia, setting a new benchmark for urban rail maintenance.
“With unmatched speed, precision, and digital integration, HSG-city redefines how cities care for their rail networks.”
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