Modernization and Maintenance of Track and Structure
Introduction
The modernization of railways has taken place by predetermining the various goals required to improve existing railway conditions. The former Japanese National Railways have been upgraded following a number of techniques, after deciding on the goals, methods and time frame for each railway field.
In some cases, tracks and structures were not at all involved, but in most instance, they were the main concern in modernization. The simple reason is that tracks and structures act as supports for railway transportation. Tracks, in particular, directly support trains, and so are heavily involved.
In Japan, since the Tokaido Shinkansen was built in 1964, construction of standard gauge Shinkansen has continued and 220 - 275 km/h operation has been introduced on 2,000 km of railway sections. This lecture will make no specific mention of standard gauge Shinkansen, but will mainly focus on meter-gauge railway lines.
Railway in Kampuchea has been much deteriorated due to damage caused by long time war and shortage of investment. We hope that experiences of modernization of Japanese railways will be of some use for rehabilitation and modernization of Railways of Kampuchea.
1 Goals of Railway Modernization
Upgrading of the railways has taken place in Japan for the following goals. The specific methods employed in order to achieve these objectives and relevant Japanese expenences concerning track and structure will be explained.
1.1 Prevention of Accidents
The prevention of accidents is a critical requirement which lies at the heart of railway operation.
Holding back on investment in this area endangers the lives and assets with which the railwayhas been entrusted. The railways which do not provide the required maintenance andinvestment to prevention of accidents will not survive. Investment in the prevention of accidents should be a top priority. The fonner Japanese National Railways implemented timely measures
