Published on: Apr 28, 2025

Introduction – Monitoring Track Safety During Tunnel Construction

Construction work is currently underway beneath the active railway tracks at Ilanz station, where Rhätische Bahn is developing a new tunnel. To ensure the safe continuation of train services during this critical phase, Railmonitor has deployed its TrackBed360 series for continuous, precise monitoring. The six-month project focuses on maintaining track stability and minimizing operational disruptions.

This initiative also marks Railmonitor’s first project in Switzerland, in collaboration with Rhätische Bahn and RUBI Bahntechnik, showcasing the company’s expansion into new markets with reliable and advanced railway monitoring solutions.

Challenge – Ensuring Track Safety During Tunnel Construction

Rhätische Bahn is undertaking tunnel construction work beneath the active tracks at Ilanz station. The primary challenge was to ensure that train services could continue safely during this critical infrastructure project. They required a continuous and precise monitoring solution to detect any potential track movements and secure ongoing rail operations.

Solution – Reliable Railway Monitoring Solutions

Railmonitor deployed its TrackBed360 series, integrated with the Digital Service Platform, to provide a reliable solution. Two tracks, each 50 meters in length, were equipped with Railmonitor sensors — with the entire installation completed in less than 1.5 hours. The sensors were securely glued to the sleepers and started transmitting data every 15 minutes to a solar-powered base station.

The measurement data is accessible through Railmonitor’s web-based Digital Service Platform, allowing stakeholders real-time access to track geometry analysis and maintenance insights.

Implementation – Fast Deployment and Seamless Operation

• Quick Installation: No wires and complete sensor setup within 1.5 hours, minimizing operational impact.
• Energy Independence: Solar panels ensure continuous, sustainable monitoring.
• Frequent Data Updates: Measurements every 15 minutes deliver constant track movement visibility.
• Verification: Parallel traditional monitoring (tachymeters and prisms) confirmed the accuracy of Railmonitor’s system.

Key Software Advantages – Digital Service Platform and Foresight Lens

Alongside robust hardware, Railmonitor’s software offerings deliver significant advantages:

• Temperature Compensation: The new temperature compensation feature improves data precision, ensuring accurate movement readings across varying temperatures.
• Predictive Technology: The Railmonitor Foresight Lens provides a predictive 7-day forecast of track conditions. Integrated with a smart notification and alarm system, it ensures that Rhätische Bahn is immediately alerted to any threshold breaches, with clear guidance on whether immediate action is necessary or if intervention can be scheduled.

Results – Consistent Monitoring and Proactive Alerts

The integration of TrackBed360 and the Digital Service Platform has delivered:

• Confirmed Accuracy: Data consistency with traditional measurement methods.
• Operational Continuity: Reliable updates allow for the safe operation of trains during tunnel construction.
• Proactive Risk Management: Real-time alerts and predictive analytics enhance maintenance planning.

Conclusion – Supporting Safe Rail Operations During Construction

Through the deployment of Railmonitor’s railway monitoring solutions at Ilanz station, Rhätische Bahn is ensuring the safe continuation of active train services during complex construction activities. This collaboration demonstrates Railmonitor’s commitment to delivering reliable, data-driven solutions that support railway infrastructure projects.

Enhance Your Railway Monitoring Strategy

Ready to strengthen your infrastructure monitoring with predictive maintenance and real-time track geometry analysis? Contact Railmonitor today to learn how our Digital Service Platform and TrackBed360 series can support your railway projects.