Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Articles

Additive manufacturing — a new vector in the production and repair of rolling stock

The influence of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0, on modern industrial production and social life is analyzed. The main advantages of Industry 4.0 are presented, such as increasing productivity and occupational safety, developing new products and materials, as well as increasing the competitiveness of products. Special attention is paid to additive technologies and their role in modern engineering within the framework of the Industry 4.0 concept. The methods of additive technologies, their classification by materials and production methods, as well as their various applications in various industries are described in detail. An example of the successful use of additive technologies is presented on the example of JSC Uralvagonzavod Scientific and Production Corporation, where molds and rods for casting parts with high speed and quality are created using 3D printers. The project of introducing 3D printers into the service depots of the directorate of motor car rolling stock of JSC Russian Railways is considered, with an emphasis on the economic and temporary benefits from the use of additive technologies. The concept of introducing additive technologies in the maintenance and repair of rolling stock involves the creation of support depots on the railway network of JSC Russian Railways. In conclusion, the importance of training highly qualified specialists in the field of additive technologies and the need to develop educational programs to train future employees capable of solving complex tasks of creating and applying new industrial technologies is presented. Special attention is paid to synergetic approaches in education to combine learning with scientific activity and the creation of innovative technological solutions.

A rolling horizon for rolling stock maintenance scheduling problem with cyclical activities

The rolling stock maintenance scheduling problem addressed here involves scheduling a set of cyclical preventive maintenance activities while considering resource capacity and geographically dispersed depots. The objective is to minimize both corrective and preventive maintenance costs using reliability features. We propose to use rolling horizon to decompose the problem into several successive subproblems such that each one tackles the scheduling of only the next cycle of activities instead of all cycles. The scheduled dates to be fixed should be as close as possible to their respective deadlines. Each train can have three status (in service, in maintenance, out of service). The activities deadlines are determined depending on component failure rate which has to be respected otherwise the train becomes out of service. An integer linear programming (ILP) model is proposed to solve the subproblem using a time oriented modeling to get an accurate maintenance cost (preventive and corrective) and respect a minimum of available trains. The rolling horizon allows to build a feasible schedule within a predefined planning horizon for moderate size problems with an interesting trade-off between computation time and solution quality.

Система комплексной диагностики элементов высокоскоростного подвижного состава и инфраструктуры: анализ и внедрение

Objective: to consider the issue of integrated diagnostics of the undercarriage equipment of high-speed rolling stock and track infrastructure, to analyze the impact of operational factors on the technical condition of rolling stock, to identify the main problems and propose possible solutions, to consider the prospects of domestic development in the field of integrated diagnostics of rolling stock and infrastructure. Methods: analysis of design features and impact on train operation safety, criteria and parameters of running stability and passenger comfort of the undercarriage equipment of the high-speed electric train “Sapsan”, description of prerequisites and stages of creation, testing and operation of the system of continuous monitoring of parameters of the dynamic system “undercarriage and track” of electric trains “Sapsan”, analysis of the impact of the main operational factors on the technical condition of the rolling stock undercarriage equipment. Results: the key role of the undercarriage equipment of the Sapsan electric train in ensuring operational safety and passenger comfort has been determined. The necessity of creating and implementing a system for continuous monitoring of dynamic reactions in the system “undercarriage equipment - track infrastructure” has been identified. The results of experimental operation of the prototype of the system in the Sapsan electric trains are considered on the example of research of track sections with increased impact on the rolling stock and problems of running stability of the electric train. It is revealed that vertical accelerations of axlebox units with significant amplitudes allow to reveal vertical irregularities of the track up to 3 m long, and constant registration of increased lateral accelerations of the bogie frame shows the necessity of solving the issues related to the geometry of wheel-rail contact at sinuous movement of rolling stock in terms of conicity. The current state and prospects of development of domestic systems of complex diagnostics are determined. Practical importance: the considered diagnostic system allows to carry out complex analysis of problems of technical condition of undercarriage equipment and infrastructure, to determine interdependence and level of influence of operational factors, which is the way to increase reliability and fault tolerance of rolling stock, operational safety and passenger comfort. Its integration into the digital platform will increase the efficiency of rolling stock maintenance planning and enterprise resource management.

Monitoring the bogie lateral dynamics of a high-speed train through wireless sensor nodes

The condition monitoring of railway vehicles and of the infrastructure (track and overhead equipment) through the use of vehicle-based sensors is becoming a major trend for the railway industry and, to this aim, new rolling stock generations are often natively fitted with numerous sensors. However, older vehicles are not equipped with sensors and monitoring systems so that, considering the long service life of the rolling stock, advanced monitoring and condition-based maintenance techniques can only be applied to a relatively minor portion of the in-service railway fleets. This paper presents results from a research programme aimed at designing and testing an innovative monitoring system based on wireless sensor nodes, suitable for the retrofitting of older rolling stock generations, not natively equipped with advanced sensing and monitoring capabilities. The prototype monitoring system was used to detect the incipient bogie instability, which can be related to degradation in some suspension components or to increase of the equivalent conicity at wheel/rail contact. Different vehicle conditions and the influence of the track were considered in the study. Experimental tests have shown that is possible to identify not only how the vehicle condition is evolving in time but also the effect that maintenance operations like wheel reprofiling may have on the bogie lateral dynamics.

СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СИСТЕМЫ РЕМОНТА И ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ОБСЛУЖИВАНИЯ ПАССАЖИРСКИХ ВАГОНОВ ДАЛЬНЕГО СООБЩЕНИЯ

The existing systems of maintenance and scheduled preventive maintenance of passenger rolling stock used for long-distance passenger traffic with speeds up to 140 km/h are considered. Promising areas for their improvement are identified. A combined repair system is proposed, which provides a uniform approach of the rolling stock to the position of a single technical audit and scheduled preventive maintenance without taking into account its mileage. The replacement of the element base, when the mileage criteria are met, is carried out on repair and equipment tracks or specially equipped positions during the technical preparation of the rolling stock at the initial point. The proposed system, in comparison with existing ones, reduces the need for depot repairs; the cost of carrying out scheduled repairs of cars, the time spent by cars in an idle fleet, and also provides opportunities for additional operation of the car at the operational stage of the life cycle. Also, the proposed system allows regulating the frequency of the element base replacement of passenger cars with a designated service life of 40 years, including them in the mandatory requirements for the necessary periodic replacement during capital repairs of the car every 5 years.

Supporting the Management of Rolling Stock Maintenance with an Ontology-Based Virtual Depot

The railway industry forecasts growth in passenger and freight traffic over the next 30 years. This places additional demands on rolling stock depot facilities, many of which were designed and built before the modern age of information technology. This paper explores the potential of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of rolling stock maintenance management to meet the challenges of the near future, by utilising advanced computing techniques. The objective of the work is to create optimised maintenance plans for a fleet of trains, considering optimal use of resources. As a “glue” for joining up functions and operations, a generic Depot and Vehicle ontology (called the Virtual Depot) is introduced. The ontology captures the structures, relationships, and attributes of objects in the Depot (rolling stock, sensors, depot assets, tools, resources, and staff). The ontology is populated with example company and fleet-specific knowledge using an automated knowledge acquisition method. This paper describes the systematic method for the creation of a Virtual Depot. Two particular aspects are discussed in detail—knowledge acquisition of fleet-specific information obtained from a manufacturer’s Vehicle Maintenance Instruction manuals and the construction of a short-term scheduling process within the Virtual Depot. Our evaluation considers the integrative aspects of the method, demonstrating how the ontological structure and its acquired specific information informs and benefits the scheduling process, in particular with respect to schedule optimisation. Results from an initial case study show there is significant potential to optimise short-term maintenance schedules, and the ability to automatically consider resource availability in short-term scheduling is demonstrated.

Technical Preparation for Scheduled Preventive Maintenance of Double-Decker Rolling Stock

The article is devoted to the study of the process of technical preparation preceding scheduled preventive maintenance of newly commissioned double-deck passenger coaches. The paper considers the main tasks and goals of technical preparation, including the step-by-step process of car repair, as well as repair planning, formation of a range of applied materials, tools, and step-by-step control of work performed during repair and maintenance. Upon identifying features and inconsistencies that arise during technical preparation for repair of double-deck coaches of a new model range, ways to solve them are proposed.The paper considers the main directions in organisation of preventive maintenance in terms of implementation of measures to integrate into the process the features associated with the specifics of the assemblies, parts and materials used in those coaches; main tasks of preparing for scheduled preventive maintenance with regard to provision of workshops, of developing forms, methods and adjusting production processes, as well as of employing small-scale mechanisation tools, and manufacturing devices to speed up the repair process. The processes of carrying out scheduled preventive maintenance are structured allowing development of a process model for repair of a double-decker coaches when they are delivered at maintenance and repair facilities.The study allows regulating and improving the efficiency of technical preparation for repair of double-deck coaches, ensuring higher quality and speed of repair work, as well as effectively assessing the real need for spare parts and materials used during the repair process, since the operation of these coaches provides for a new set of spare parts, materials and elements in comparison with single-deck analogues already manufactured.

The Optimal Transportation Option in an Underground Hard Coal Mine: A Multi-Criteria Cost Analysis

The issue of transport in underground hard coal mines is very rarely described in the literature. The financial aspects of this issue are even less often analyzed. Publications in this area focus on technical issues and the safety of mining crews. More attention is paid to transport in open-pit mines. The above premises and practical needs imply the need to conduct economic analyses of transport systems in underground hard coal mines. This paper is a scientific communication, which presents the concept of a multi-criteria cost analysis as a tool to support the selection of the optimal transportation option in an underground hard coal mine. Considerations in this area have not been carried out in the relevant literature, and the problem of selecting a transportation option is a complex and necessary issue in the practice of underground mines with extensive mine workings. The methodology presented includes five cost criteria (costs of carrying out the transportation task; route expansion costs; rolling stock maintenance costs; depreciation costs; and additional personnel costs). The simultaneous application of criteria relating to utility properties in addition to cost criteria makes it possible to adopt a specific technical and organizational model of the transportation system based on the indication of the optimal solution, resulting from the mathematical construction of functions of objectives relating to utility and cost. The optimal variant of the designed system and configuration of the material transportation system in underground workings takes into consideration the following: (1) seven utility criteria (KU1—transportation task completion time; KU2—compatibility of transportation systems; KU3—continuous connectivity; KU4—co-use with other transportation tasks; KU5—safety; KU6—inconvenience; KU7—operation under overplanning conditions) and (2) five cost criteria (KK1—costs of implementing the transportation task; KK2—costs of route expansion; KK3—rolling stock maintenance costs; KK4—depreciation costs; KK5—additional personnel costs). Based on the aforementioned criteria, two objective functions are built for each option: utility and cost. They present divergent goals; therefore, they are non-cooperative functions. Both utility and costs strive for the maximum. In the developed methodology, an ideal point is usually a fictitious solution representing a set of maximum values among all the achievable values in a set of solutions, but it is impossible to achieve this simultaneously based on all the criteria. This point illustrates the maximum utility and lowest cost among the alternatives considered, which is obviously impossible for any of the variants to meet at the same time, although it indicates the possibilities of the technique and the range of costs. For the developed method, a so-called “PND” nadir point is also determined, representing the least-preferred level of achievement of all goals simultaneously, determined from the set of optimal points in the Pareto sense. The originality of the conceptual considerations undertaken stems from: filling the gap in the economic methodology of complex transportation systems evaluation; embedding considerations in the trend concerning complex transportation systems of underground mines; and focusing considerations on the pre-investment phase, making it possible to optimize costs before expenditures are incurred.

A flow formulation for the rolling stock maintenance scheduling problem

Rolling stock maintenance is a key issue for the railway operations. Planning cyclical maintenance activities is a fundamental aspect of maintenance management, requiring a variety of operational choices. We present a novel flow formulation approach to schedule rolling stock maintenance activities optimising both maintenance costs and train availability. The schedule takes into account cyclical maintenance activities and the decoupling between elapsed and operational time. Limited resource and depot capacity are taken into account together with operational constraints to reflect the real operations of the railway system. The proposed formulation is based on an integer linear programming (ILP) approach, which is solved using a commercial solver on randomly generated realistic instances.

Математическая модель организации обслуживания и ремонта грузовых вагонов

The strategic brand of any company is based on customer orientation. With regard to the carriage component of the transportation process, the consumer expects to meet the needs for technically sound rolling stock on constant basis. Timely high-quality maintenance and repair of freight cars guarantee the quality of transport services. The elimination of losses in the technological process of rolling stock maintenance significantly increases the competitiveness of railway transport and has a positive effect on state economic stability. The controllability optimization of the technological complex of freight cars maintenance and repair inevitably increases the efficiency of the transportation process due to a systematic approach to the organization of work related to the maintenance of the life cycle of rolling stock. Mathematical support tools, including the complex of mathematical methods, models and algorithms applied to solve the problems of rational technological processes organization, and can significantly narrow the search for optimal output and eliminate unnecessary losses when updating technology.

The Downside of Upkeep: Analysing Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Impact on Train Operations in Sweden

Efficient and seamless railway operations depend on the systematic and well-coordinated maintenance of both rolling stock and infrastructure. However, track maintenance, or ‘trackwork’, can cause substantial delays if not properly aligned with train schedules. This study comprehensively investigates how trackwork influences train operations in Sweden. It involves an in-depth analysis of an extensive dataset comprising over 225,000 recorded instances of planned trackwork and approximately 32.5 million train passages throughout the year 2017. Multiple logistic and negative binomial regression models showed that train running time delay occurrence is higher in the sections with scheduled trackwork. Trains passing through trackwork are 1.43 times more likely to experience delays compared to trains that do not pass through scheduled trackwork. The likelihood of an opportunity for the train delay recovery passing the section with scheduled trackwork is reduced by 11%. Additionally, the frequency of train delay increase is 16% higher, and delayed recovery is 4% lower in relation to trackwork. With the number of trackwork set to increase over the coming years, these results bring attention to train scheduling and the performance of trackwork.

Улучшение тягово-энергетических характеристик автономных локомотивов за счет применения модульного исполнения элементов тяговой системы

Purpose: The priority direction of strategic programs for the development of railway transport is the design and introduction into operation of new rolling stock, which is characterized by high technical and economic indicators. In this regard, the goal is to formulate scientifically based technical solutions to reduce the costs of production, maintenance and repair of traction rolling stock and improve its traction and energy characteristics. Methods: To achieve the stated goal, the following methods have been applied: structural analysis; statistical processing of large arrays of experimental data; computer simulation; theory of locomotive traction. Results: Priority directions for improving traction rolling stock have been identified. A set of scientifically based technical solutions has been developed to improve the traction and energy characteristics of selfcontained locomotives, which may allow the transition to a single platform for diesel and electric locomotives. As a result, the reduction in costs for the production, maintenance and repair of traction rolling stock and an improvement in the traction and energy characteristics of locomotives will be achieved. Practical significance: Economic effect obtained due to reducing the costs of production, maintenance and repair of traction rolling stock and the consumption of fuel and energy resources for train traction.

Моделирование технического обслуживания и ремонта высокоскоростных электропоездов с использованием данных бортовых систем диагностики

Purpose: High–speed railway lines (HSRL) are the most promising direction of railway transport development in the 21st century, increasing the mobility of the population at a distance of up to 1000 km, contributing to the development of urban conglomerations. Reliable rolling stock is necessary for the functioning of the HSRL. The article describes the performed mathematical simulation of the operation and maintenance and repair system (MRS) of high-speed electric trains in relation to the St. Petersburg — Moscow landfill. The purpose of the simulation is to substantiate the requirements for MRS, including when using on-board automated systems for technical diagnostics. Methods: It is based on the principles of passenger traffic organization, technical requirements for domestic high-speed rolling stock, queue theory methods, as well as probabilistic mathematical modeling methods in MS Excel in the algorithmic language Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The corresponding software has been developed. Results: A mathematical model and software have been developed, multifactor modeling has been performed, the degree of failure impact on the required fleet of high-speed electric trains has been determined. Methods of optimization of maintenance to reduce the required fleet are proposed. The requirements for the mathematical model itself are defined. A factor analysis of operation and maintenance has been performed by mathematical modeling. Practical significance: The guarantee of safe and reliable high-speed traffic is the creation of a modern system of maintenance and repair of rolling stock. The study of the interaction of operation and maintenance is very important in preparation for the launch of domestic high-speed traffic.

A Set of Products for Remote Control of Rolling Stock Characteristics

A modern specialist in the field of maintenance and repair of rolling stock needs to constantly have access to up-to-date information about the technical condition, equipment and location of serviced units. This article analyzes the existing software products and applications that allow you to plan and manage the processes of repair work and operation. The work is devoted to the creation of products for finding up-to-date information about the technical condition of rolling stock units both on a personal computer and in an online application environment. Programs have the ability to be updated and supported, including bug fixes. The use of the proposed tools will allow a specialist in the field of logistics, maintenance and repair of rolling stock to increase the efficiency of forecasting, organization of transport processes and repair work. The algorithms of operation of each software product are formed in the work. The algorithms are presented in the form of flowcharts. The generated database is presented. Geometric parameters and wheelset numbers, dates of the last maintenance and overhaul, location were added to the presented database in accordance with the number. An array of data with photos of car was also created. The article presents a text written in the Python programming language. This language made it possible to fully implement the algorithm of the products actions. During the testing of the programs, the operation of the main functions was checked, namely, the search for parameters by the composition number. The work solved the problem of displaying photos and videos on the screen at the users request. This function will reduce the time to choose a rolling stock unit for rent and control the quality of repairs. The results of the work of programs in the environment of online applications and on a personal computer are presented in the form of drawings. When creating a software product in an online application environment, the issue of data transfer security (whitelist, password encryption, end-to-end encryption, as well as copy and forwarding protection) was resolved.

System of mutual loading of auxiliary electric machines with coverage of losses from mechanical power sources

Purpose. Increasing the level of safety and reducing the cost of rolling stock maintenance is an urgent problem for Ukrainian railways today. Existing test benches for auxiliary machines are usually built according to the scheme with direct loading of the tested electric machine and do not meet modern requirements for the quality and energy efficiency of testing. In this regard, there is a need to design energy-efficient test benches for testing auxiliary machines of electric rolling stock. Methodology. To achieve this goal, we used an analytical method of research to determine the optimal structure of the test bench. The paper considers the voltage balance diagram in the mutual load system. Separately, the calculations are presented, on the basis of which the design diagrams of the electrical and mechanical parts of the test bench are constructed, and the conditions for covering all losses in the mutual load system are determined using the design diagrams. Findings. In the course of the research, the power balance equation in the mutual load system was obtained. On the basis of the equations, a model of a mutual load system with coverage of all losses from a single source of mechanical power was built. The main advantage of the developed model is that it can be implemented both by numerical calculations using composite systems of equations and by object-oriented programming in specialized software systems. Originality. A rational scheme for testing auxiliary machines with the coverage of losses from a single source of mechanical power is proposed. The use of a single power source can significantly reduce the additional consumption of electrical energy due to the more efficient use of auxiliary equipment, in particular, a mechanical power source. Practical value. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to determine the parameters of the scheme for testing auxiliary machines at the design stage of the test bench. Implementation of the research results at auxiliary machine repair enterprises will reduce electricity consumption for post-repair testing due to the higher energy efficiency of the test scheme.

Reparability and labour intensity comparison for trolleybuses and buses maintenance and repair operations

Introduction. Trolleybuses and buses are the main type of railless public transport. This article examines the factors affecting the cost of transportation, in terms of maintenance and repair of rolling stock in detail. The main purpose of this study is to compare the values of labour intensity for maintenance and repair of trolleybuses and buses and to identify the reasons that affect the difference in the values of labour intensity for maintenance and repair of trolleybuses and buses.Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: 1. The analysis of operating manuals, maintenance and repair instructions, valid during the corresponding periods of operation, for trolleybuses (ZIU-9, BKM-321, PKTS 6281) and buses (LiAZ-677, MAZ-103, MAZ-203) was carried out. The analysis and comparison were made for vehicles of three conditional generations: the 1970s - 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. 2. The reasons influencing the difference in the values of labour intensity of maintenance and repair of buses and trolleybuses are determined. 3. Proposals to amend Order No. 351 of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation have been formulated.Discussion and conclusion. The comparison of the values of the labour intensity of the selected vehicles was made. The recommendations on changing the labor intensity values for maintenance and repair of trolleybuses in comparison with buses, established by Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 351, when calculating the initial minimum price of the contract for passenger service by trolleybuses and buses are given.Originality. The comparison of the complexity of performing maintenance and repair operations of trolleybuses and buses in the context of types of equipment and for vehicles of different technical generations is made.

Конкурентная среда рынка вагоноремонтных услуг

Railway transport plays a key role in the functioning and sustainable development of the Russian economy, providing transportation of passengers and cargo throughout the country. Modern Russia inherited the railway transport industry in the form of a post-Soviet monopoly, which itself provided transportation services, as well as by its own efforts ensured the maintenance of rolling stock in working condition, carrying out all types of wagon refurbishments. This study is devoted to the formation of an independent industry of wagon refurbishment services, as well as to the analysis of the way passed so far in building a competitive environment and further prospects for the development of the industry under study. In order to analyze the evolutionary path, the authors relied on the historical and genetic method, and the study of the current state of the wagon refurbishment services industry is based on the application of qualitative and quantitative methods, including the FAS RF market assessment methodology, the study of industries and markets combined in the approach of new institutional economics. The obtained research results allowed the authors to identify 5 stages of the evolution of this industry, characterize each of them in detail, identify features and evaluate the results obtained. Assessing the competitive environment of wagon refurbishment services formed to date, its subjects were described, the economic content of wagon refurbishment service and its types, currently used, institutions that act as a basis for coordination of the agents of the studied market were characterized in detail. According to the results of the study, the current competitive environment of the wagon refurbishment services market was assessed, including indicators of market power and concentration, and the directions and prospects for further development of the competitive environment of the domestic market of wagon refurbishment services were formulated. The theoretical significance of this study lies in the detailed description of the competitive environment of the wagon refurbishment services market, as well as the elements of its structure. The practical significance of this study lies in identifying the weaknesses of the industry and developing directions and recommendations to improve the efficiency of its functioning.

Legal and Technological Aspects of Life Cycle Contract Implementation in the Long-Distance Passenger Rail Transportation

The analysis and the experience gained in shaping contractual relations in the LCC format, both on the part of foreign companies and in the domestic market, have resulted in the conclusion that it is beneficial for the customer to conclude LCC. Ultimately, the costs are reduced by about 10-15 % compared to the traditional form of contractual relations (separate contracts for manufacturing and, respectively, service maintenance). LCC is also advantageous since it eliminates the need to search for and subsequently contract the contractors at the stage of operation.When concluding LCC contract, both purchase and subsequent maintenance of rolling stock can be carried out through a concession agreement in compliance with legislation regulating the procurement procedure. When purchasing, it is necessary to be guided by the requirements of federal law in terms of mandatory tender procedures and selection of potential suppliers.The analysis of existing models for formation of contractual relations for maintenance of rolling stock under the LCC contract has shown that it is advisable to consider the possibility of extending it to newly manufactured passenger rolling stock used in long­distance passenger transportation.

Deep learning-based fault detection in railway wheelsets using time series analysis

Maintenance of Railway rolling stock is usually scheduled based. However, the mechanical parts, especially the wheelset may wear down prematurely due to several factors such as excessive braking and traction forces and environmental conditions. This makes the scheduled maintenance less effective and sometimes it results in derailments. This paper presents a deep learning-based technique to detect wheel conditions so that maintenance can be performed promptly and efficiently. A time series dataset of axle vibrations is generated using a simulation model of the wheelset. The dataset is then used to train and test the deep learning model. Long short-term memory (LSTM) architecture is selected for this application since it is designed to perform better for time series datasets. The results show good performance in terms of training and testing accuracy. The model is tested in different defect scenarios and the mean square error in the prediction of railway wheelset parameters is around 15%.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution and its Impact on Railways

The analysis of the stages of development of industrial production by human society based on the well-known concept of four industrial revolutions has resulted in retrospection of technical and technological development of railways during the periods between the industrial revolutions in terms of core rail engineering systems (infrastructure, rolling stock, control and management system), as well as contributed to outline prospects for foreseeable period. It has allowed to identify main directions of technical and technological development of productive forces characteristic of the fourth industrial revolution.The objective of the research was to identify those directions that are appropriate to be applied in relation to rail transport as well as to choose a few specific technical and technological solutions.In the field of digitalisation, it is proposed to focus on development and implementation of intelligent management systems for each workplace or of intelligent workplaces (IWP), which ensure development of optimal solutions for numerous operational tasks fulfilled by the dispatchers on duty at railway facilities. It has been determined that for a case of a large rail company like JSC Russian Railways creation of managers’ IWPs should be based on the scale and generality of the tasks solved at numerous similar managed objects since, for example, the number of dispatching sections reaches more than 400, the number of stations and simultaneously moving trains is of several thousand, and of train sheds and infrastructure sections is of several hundred, etc. This allows creating standard systems that are further replicated for specific workplaces while considering local specifics.Intelligent systems integrate as important elements fast-growing production of increasingly miniaturised, and to be underlined, constantly cheaper sensors, capable today of being built into almost any objects that in terms of railways comprise, for example, a wheel of a wagons or of a locomotive, engines, rails, any wagons or containers. This allows continuously monitoring the current state of any objects, as well as their nodes resulting in fundamentally new opportunities for reducing the cost of maintenance of rolling stock and infrastructure, as well as ensuring transport safety. Thus, for the first time ever, the task of achieving «absolute» rail traffic safety can be set.The article includes a forecast of the approximate time of the advent of the fifth industrial revolution and the trajectories of development of technical systems of railways for the period before its start. The use of the results of the study is supposed to facilitate to concretise directions of the promising technical and technological development of rail transport.