In the event of storm damage, railway lines have to be closed for safety reasons. In the past, experts from ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG used to walk along the tracks. They assess, for example, whether it is just a few small stones or whether heavy clearing equipment is needed, or whether branches or even tree trunks are lying across the tracks or in the overhead line. A lot of valuable time often passes before this is clarified. The control centre is then notified and the necessary action is decided.
In the future, instead of sending workers on foot into rough terrain or snow-covered slopes, drones will be sent out from a nearby drone garage. They will fly over the defined route and send back images of its condition in real time. The necessary decisions can then be made immediately. Depending on the case, the drones can save hours of time and minimise route closures.
