Brazil faces increasing train derailment risks due to high temperatures warping tracks. ViaMobilidade proposes painting tracks white to mitigate heat. Early tests indicate a six-degree temperature reduction, aiming to enhance safety for the 800,000 daily passengers in São Paulo amid climate challenges.
In Brazil, a heatwave can pose life-threatening risks to train passengers, as increased temperatures can warp tracks. Recently, a train derailed in Rio de Janeiro due to track deformation caused by temperatures soaring to 71°C (160°F). Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but this incident highlighted the urgency of implementing measures to manage increasing rail temperatures.
To address this issue, ViaMobilidade, a major railway operator in São Paulo, has proposed painting the tracks white. This method aims to reflect sunlight, thereby reducing heat absorption and preventing track overheating. “We have recorded temperatures of up to 60°C on the tracks, which can lead to deformations and be dangerous for trains,” noted Alan Santana de Paula, the maintenance manager for ViaMobilidade.
ViaMobilidade services 800,000 passengers daily and reported 20 track deformations during last year’s extreme heat. The year 2024 marked Brazil’s hottest on record, a trend linked to climate change, necessitating innovative solutions. Around the globe, rail painting experiments have produced mixed results; however, initial tests by ViaMobilidade indicated that white paint could lower track temperatures by six degrees Celsius.
Santana de Paula explained, “It doesn’t completely eliminate the effect (of the heat) but it does diminish it.” His project includes painting 35 kilometers (22 miles) of tracks by the end of February, using a specialized truck equipped with sprayers for even application. As São Paulo dealt with extreme temperatures recently, the impacts on rail traffic from heat and severe weather events like heavy storms became increasingly critical to monitor.
In summary, Brazil is exploring innovative solutions to mitigate the dangers of rising heat on railway tracks. ViaMobilidade is implementing a strategic plan to paint tracks white to reflect sunlight and reduce overheating. This approach addresses the serious risk of derailments due to track deformation. Ongoing monitoring and adaptations in response to climate fluctuations are essential for improving railway safety and reliability in extreme weather conditions.
Original Source: www.derbyinformer.com
