22 September,2026 06:29 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Movable crossings eliminate the gap at the crossing nose to provide a continuous rail surface for high-speed trains. Representational pic
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is introducing turnouts fitted with movable crossings, also known as swing-nose crossings, for the first time on the Indian railway network. The technology is designed to support safe and reliable train operations at speeds of up to 320 kmph.
According to an ANI report citing an official statement, the technology is being adopted as a key component of the high-speed rail system and differs from the fixed-crossing turnouts used on conventional railway lines.
At speeds above 250-300 kmph, conventional fixed crossings can create higher dynamic forces because of the gap at the crossing nose. The project details state that this discontinuity can increase vibration and structure-borne noise while accelerating wear on wheel flanges and crossing components.
A movable crossing eliminates the gap by shifting the crossing nose in coordination with the switch rails. This creates a continuous running surface and ensures uninterrupted wheel guidance as trains pass through the turnout.
The technology is expected to enable smoother train movement through turnouts while reducing dynamic impact, vibration and interior noise. It is also expected to reduce wear on rails and rolling stock and contribute to longer asset life.
The high-speed turnouts will be equipped with two independent point machines. One point machine operates and locks the switch rails, while the second operates and locks the movable crossing nose.
Both machines work through a coordinated control system. A signalling interlocking route-setting command initiates the movement of the switch rails and the movable crossing. A train is permitted to move over the turnout only after both systems provide position detection and locking confirmation.
The dual point-machine arrangement ensures that the continuous rail path is properly established and mechanically secured at both critical locations.
According to the project details, high-speed point machines must meet stringent technical requirements, including precise stroke control, tight positioning tolerances and robust locking mechanisms capable of handling forces generated during high-speed train operations.
The system also incorporates multiple detection and verification layers to monitor the final position and mechanical locking of both the switch rails and movable crossing.
The interlocking system releases the route only after independent checks confirm that the turnout has been correctly positioned and locked.
The adoption of movable-crossing turnouts with dual point-machine operation is aimed at meeting the MAHSR corridor's requirements for safety, ride quality, asset life and operational reliability at speeds of up to 320 kmph.
(With inputs from ANI)
