TRACK MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT IN THE NARROW TUNNEL

Abstract

 Otsuki Track Maintenance Technorogy Center is in charge of track maintenance and management between Fujino Station and Kasugaicho Station on the Chuo line connecting Tokyo and Yamanashi. Our jurisdiction is mountain section, and it features a lot of curve sections that there are many structures such as a tunnel or the bridge. Now, it is an electrification line, but a lot of structures which built when a vehicle pulled by a steam locomotive are still used. We struggle with maintenance of track because irregularity of the track likely to occur especially in the narrow tunnel section which clearance gauge cannot secure enough. In addiction, each location has its own characteristics such as water from the mountain, slope, the shape of the track and various factors promote the growth of the track irregularity.Here, we will introduce examples of track repairs in narrow tunnels and future prospects which we are continuing to work on.