Resilient Railways facing High Temperatures

As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the railway industry faces increasing challenges in maintaining reliable and safe operations. High temperatures, defined as those significantly above those that railway systems were traditionally designed to handle, can put immense strain on tracks, equipment and operations. These conditions are no longer rare occurrences, but are becoming more frequent, intense and widespread.

Extreme heat can cause tracks to expand and buckle, disrupt the functioning of signalling systems, and create discomfort for passengers. It can also lead to increased wear and tear on materials, placing added pressure on maintenance teams and infrastructure. These challenges affect not only the efficiency of railways but also their safety and long-term sustainability.

Climate change magnifies these issues, as past engineering designs and standards may no longer fully account for the conditions we face today and will encounter in the future. Adapting our railway systems to withstand high temperatures is not just a technical necessity; it is an essential step towards ensuring reliable transportation in a changing world.