Plasser’s Quick Relaying System
Why in news?
Recently, On 23 December 2025, Northeast Frontier Railway has set a new benchmark in mechanised track renewal by using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) to relay 1,033 metres of track in a single day in Alipurduar division.​
About PQRS
- Definition: A mechanised system for track renewal that removes old rail panels (including sleepers) and installs new prefabricated panels.
- Developer: Plasser & Theurer, Austria – global leader in railway track maintenance machinery.
- Adoption in India: Widely used by Indian Railways, including Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and North Eastern Railway (NER), for faster track replacement.
How PQRS Works?
- Step 1: Old track panels are lifted and removed using special equipment.
- Step 2: New prefabricated rail panels are transported and laid in place.
- Step 3: Alignment and leveling are done with mechanised precision.
- Step 4: Ballast is packed and stabilized to ensure track safety.
Key Benefits
- Speed: Enables renewal of over 1,000 metres of track in a single day (NFR record: 1,033 metres).
- Safety: Improves track reliability and reduces accidents.
- Efficiency: Cuts down manual labour and lifecycle maintenance costs.
- Flexibility: Can be deployed across different railway zones for quick modernization.
Challenges
- High Capital Cost: PQRS machines are expensive to procure and maintain.
- Training Needs: Requires skilled operators and engineers.
- Logistics: Prefabricated panels must be prepared and transported in advance.
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