Digital national microprocessor-based semi-automatic interlocking system for improving the throughput capacity of Uzbekistan Railways

Abstract

This paper examines pressing operational challenges arising at railway stations as a result of equipment deterioration, increasing traffic loads, and a growing number of emergency incidents. An analysis of the technical condition of signalling, interlocking, and centralization systems revealed that their physical wear significantly exceeds the permissible normative thresholds, posing risks to train traffic safety and adversely affecting the throughput capacity of railway sections.Furthermore, the widespread use of outdated and poorly integrated systems, combined with a high degree of dependency on foreign equipment suppliers, necessitates the development of domestic railway automation and telemechanics (RAT) solutions. Accordingly, the design and implementation of nationally developed RAT systems are regarded as a priority direction for ensuring technological independence, enhancing operational efficiency, and achieving sustainable sectoral development.The paper presents an analysis of the key performance indicators of railway automation equipment operating on the network of JSC 'Uzbekistan Railways', as well as a comparative assessment of the total length of train interval control systems and semi-automatic interlocking devices currently in service on the main railway network of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The study also introduces the architectural design of the national digital microprocessor-based semi-automatic interlocking (MSAI) system under development, along with the results of throughput capacity calculations.The findings indicate that, given adequate track infrastructure conditions, the proposed national digital MSAI system is capable of increasing train operating speeds on inter-station sections up to 200 km/h.