Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DD News
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has set a record single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS).
About Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS):
What it is?
• Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) is a semi-mechanised track renewal technology used by Indian Railways to remove old track panels and replace them with new prefabricated rail panels efficiently within short traffic blocks.
Developed by: Plasser & Theurer, an Austria-based global leader in railway track maintenance and construction machinery
• To speed up track renewal while minimising traffic disruption.
• To enhance track safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency.
• To reduce manual labour and lifecycle maintenance costs.
How it works?
• PQRS uses self-propelled portal cranes that move on an auxiliary track (3,400 mm gauge) aligned with the existing track.
• Old rail panels (rails + sleepers) are lifted and removed, and new prefabricated panels are placed using Track Laying Equipment (TLE).
• Retrieved old panels are directly transferred to BFRs (Bogie Flat Wagons), eliminating extra freight handling.
Key features:
• Portal cranes: Self-loading, self-unloading cranes capable of lifting complete rail panels.
• High lifting capacity: Older models: ~5 tonnes (9 m panels) Newer models (PQRS-201): up to 9 tonnes, lifting 13 m PRC sleeper panels
• Older models: ~5 tonnes (9 m panels)
• Newer models (PQRS-201): up to 9 tonnes, lifting 13 m PRC sleeper panels
• Integrated gripping system: Sleeper grippers and rail clamps securely hold panels during lifting and placement.
• Turntable mechanism: Enables cranes to be turned and placed on/off BFRs even in mid-sections.
• Compact and modular design: Reduces maintenance cost and improves operational flexibility.
Significance:
• Faster renewals: Allows renewal of longer track lengths in shorter traffic blocks.
• Improved safety: Ensures uniform track geometry and reduces human error.