Railways to use composite sleepers on bridge approaches and points & crossings
The Ministry of Railways decided on 9 April 2026 to use composite sleepers on bridge approaches and points & crossings, AI-enabled Ground Penetration Radar for track checks, and Magnetic Particle Testing for welds.
Summary
The Ministry of Railways decided on 9 April 2026, at a review meeting chaired by the Railway Minister at Rail Bhavan, that sleepers on bridge approaches and at points & crossings will now be composite. The ministry said these sleepers, made from mixed materials, are lighter than iron and concrete sleepers, can bear loads of up to 700 kg per square centimetre, last longer, cushion better and are easier to lay and repair. Track monitoring will use an AI-enabled Ground Penetration Radar device fitted to inspection vehicles to assess the condition of the track base, and Magnetic Particle Testing will be used to find minute defects in welded joints.
Key facts
- Decision
- 9 April 2026, Rail Bhavan review meeting
- Composite sleepers
- Bridge approaches; points & crossings
- Load
- Up to 700 kg per sq cm
- Track monitoring
- AI-enabled Ground Penetration Radar on inspection vehicles
- Welds
- Magnetic Particle Testing
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where will Indian Railways now use composite sleepers, as decided on 9 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bridge approaches and points & crossings
The Railways said sleepers used on bridge approaches and at points & crossings will now be composite.
Which new technique did the Railways decide to use to identify minute defects in welded joints of tracks?
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Correct answer: C — Magnetic Particle Testing
The Railways decided to use Magnetic Particle Testing for welds; Ground Penetration Radar is for assessing the track base.