New Maintenance District After Stockholm Syd Win
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The welding robot, housed in a double container mounted on a rail wagon, is designed to support the limited number of skilled rail welders. Robel Rail Automation is developing this advanced solution in close collaboration with contractors VolkerRail and Strukton Rail, and infrastructure manager ProRail.
Together with Strukton Rail, VolkerRail and ProRail, Robel RAIL AUTOMATION is creating a high-quality, highly precise robot for welding rail joints and switch components. This innovation aims to extend the lifespan of rail infrastructure and address the growing shortage of qualified rail welders.

The welding robot, integrated into a double container on a rail wagon, is capable of welding both standard rails and switch components. It can operate continuously – even at night and in adverse weather conditions – without fatigue, delivering consistently high precision.
The system also enables welding during single-track possessions, allowing adjacent tracks to remain in service. This makes it an ideal solution for future automated rail maintenance.
“ The welding robot works anytime – even at night and in poor weather conditions. It never gets tired and delivers constant high precision.”

On 21 May 2025, Robel Rail Automation, Strukton Rail, VolkerRail and ProRail signed a declaration of intent, underlining the importance and necessity of further developing the welding robot for future rail maintenance. This marks a significant step towards implementing this technology on the Dutch railway network.
Safety is maintained through strict operational procedures in combination with modelling and prioritisation based on asset criticality. Intelligent asset management and real‑time monitoring technologies help identify risks at an early stage and ensure trains can continue to operate safely. These systems support long‑term investment planning and maintain the reliability of the rail network.
Because European rail networks are heavily used, maintenance is often carried out during night‑time or weekend possessions when fewer trains are running. High‑traffic lines require carefully planned maintenance windows to minimise service disruptions while ensuring infrastructure remains safe and in good condition.
Maintenance priority is determined using asset condition models and long‑term asset management strategies. This enables companies and railway managers to forecast the future state of critical rail components, helping planners intervene at the optimal moment. Intelligent asset‑management systems make it possible to compare scenarios, estimate remaining service life and plan renewals efficiently based on operational needs and strategic investment priorities.
Modern railway maintenance combines condition monitoring, inspection data, advanced algorithms and expert domain knowledge to support data‑driven decision‑making. Digital tools and predictive analytics help maintenance teams detect issues earlier, schedule interventions more effectively and continuously improve the maintenance cycle. These approaches are increasingly adopted across Europe to boost reliability and reduce unplanned downtime
The purpose of railway maintenance is to ensure the safety of passengers and train operations, prevent failures and delays, extend the lifespan of rail assets and avoid costly repairs by resolving issues early. Maintenance is vital for keeping high‑usage rail networks reliable and efficient, reducing disruptions and supporting sustainable rail operations.
Railway maintenance refers to all activities required to keep rail infrastructure safe, reliable and in optimal condition. This includes tracks, switches, overhead lines, sleepers, ballast, power supply, cables, ducts and signalling systems. Routine inspections and major renewal activities such as rail grinding, tamping and ballast maintenance are essential to ensuring long‑term track performance. Asset management plays a crucial role in rail maintenance.