As autumn approaches, Infrabel, Belgium's railway infrastructure manager, is stepping up its efforts to combat the slippery rails caused by falling leaves, a challenge that can jeopardize safety and punctuality. Infrabel's ingenious solution is to use "Sandite" trains, which apply a mixture of gel and sand to the rails, significantly reducing incidents and delays.
In autumn, the steel wheels of trains struggle to grip the rails, made worse by the slippery residue left by falling leaves. This slippery situation is particularly prevalent in wooded areas and on steep gradients. In response, Infrabel is deploying three "Sandite" trains from mid-October to mid-December to treat key areas immediately before and after stops to optimize grip during braking and acceleration. The application of the gel is automated and guided by GPS coordinates, with each container of 1,600 liters of Sandite remotely monitored in real time.
Comparing the years since the introduction of Sandite trains in 2016, Infrabel reports a remarkable 30% reduction in grip-related problems on treated railway lines and an astonishing 75% reduction in brake slip reports. This is a significant advance in rail safety, with grip-related delays on passenger and freight trains falling from 261 hours in 2021 to 180 hours in 2022.
In addition to Sandite, Infrabel has stepped up its autumn preparations. From 1 October, the company receives detailed weather forecasts, including grip indices, from the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM). Infrabel's technical teams follow these reports closely and are ready to intervene if conditions require it. Staff in the signaling cabins ensure the smooth running of heavy trains on hilly terrain. In Wallonia, emergency locomotives are on standby to assist trains that have difficulties on inclines.
