The traffic density is increasing day by day on Indian Railways and to increase the section capacity higher speeds of trains are always aimed at.
On Indian Railways, new high speed lines are being laid to cater for demand of increasing traffic density. In various Zonal Railways high speed turnouts with thick web switches are being installed.
Salient features of TWS
- The switch opening is of 160 mm as against of 115 mm of ordinary cross over.
- The crossing angle has been broadened so that the train negotiating at higher speeds does not pose any danger.
- The web of the switches is made thicker to make than them strong enough to withstand load of train at high speeds.
Spring setting device (SSD)
- In a TWS turnout, no stretcher bar is used and hence switches are able to move independently.
- A spring setting device (SSD) is provided at junction of Rail head (JOH), in lieu of stretcher bars, to assist in proper setting of switch upto JOH, which is placed between sleeper number 13 and 14.
- Adjustment of locking is done by means of packing shims between switch rail and stock rail bracket. Three each of 1 mm and one of 0.5 mm shims are provided for each switch.
- Maintenance Handbook on Electric Point Machine 220 mm throw for Thick Web Switch
Joint Inspection of Points & Crossings (Thick-Web Switches)
Recently, some of the railways have raised certain issues related to maintenance of Thick Web Switch (TWS) turnouts and Track circuit insulation problems which involved issues pertaining to Track maintenance as well as signalling.
The final proforma for Joint Inspection of Points & Crossings of Thick Web Switches incorporating the suggestions by Track & Signal Directorates of RDSO is enclosed herewith. Download the Proforma.
E-BOOK: Laying , Maintenance Issues & Joint Inspection Schedule and Performa
Read E-Book to know more about Thick Web Switches– Click Here
- Laying of Thick Web Switches
- Fixing of SSD
- Various Parts of TWS
- Fixing of Liner
- Maintenance issues in TWS
- Joint Inspection and Schedule Performa
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- Modernisation of Railway Signalling Systems in 2021
6 Comments
Dharendra Panging · August 25, 2022 at 1:57 pm
Can thick web switch be installed in curves?
admin · August 25, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Yes, TWS can be installed in curves upto 2 degree. Design of TWS will be different for curved locations.
Sree · September 1, 2022 at 11:16 am
OK..sir,how many
..sleepers wiil be allocated in .switch,leading,crossing assembly
Vinod Kumar Mishra · December 28, 2022 at 7:55 pm
Sir
Can you post the authority for using thick web switch on curve
Naren Das · August 30, 2023 at 5:23 am
How I can know which side long arm and short arm will be fixed.
Mahadeo · May 18, 2023 at 9:58 am
dear sir can you post your contact number ? if any emergency we will contact