In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but essential, the integration of disruptive digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) into rail transport presents a transformative opportunity. While in the context of sustainable modes of transportation, railway is generally considered more eco-friendly than road or air transport, adding IoT further reduces environmental impact, optimises energy use, and streamlines operations, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction as well. But how exactly can IoT be applied to rail transport?
In this blog, we explore the ways IoT enables more sustainable rail transport and why it should be the focus of countries that are trying to expand or optimise their railway infrastructure. If you want to learn more on this topic, read Transforma Insights’ detailed report here: Rail Transport: 3.9 million IoT devices by 2034 to ensure the safety and efficient movement of freight and passengers.
Rail is one of the most efficient and sustainable modes of transport. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), rail transport accounts for 7% of global passenger-km and 6% of freight tonne-km but is responsible for only 1% of total transportation CO2 emissions. Still, the sector faces challenges such as energy inefficiency, carbon emissions, aging infrastructure, and rising maintenance costs.
IoT solutions have already been implemented in the railway industry to ensure timely and sustainable movement of passengers and freight. The deployment of these solutions has benefitted the deployers as well. For instance, Deutsche Bahn, a German rail company, was witnessing challenges with punctuality in recent years. Therefore, it invested EUR15 million in smart sensor technology to improve rail operations. The use of IoT sensors, device management platforms, and AI have helped the firm enhance the operational efficiency and punctuality of its 6,500 trains covering 37,000 miles throughout Europe. Let us now explore how IoT can be integrated to enhance sustainability.
One of the most significant contributions of IoT in rail transport is real-time energy monitoring and optimisation. Smart sensors track electricity consumption at granular levels, identifying waste and enabling efficient load balancing. Besides, regenerative braking systems, when integrated with IoT, can store or redistribute recovered energy more intelligently. Furthermore, IoT-enabled HVAC systems in trains adjust temperature and airflow based on passenger occupancy and weather, reducing power usage, which result in lower operational costs and reduced carbon emissions.
Case in point, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in India implemented an IoT-based energy management system that monitors electricity usage across its network. The system identifies high-energy areas and suggests changes to reduce consumption, such as optimising train speeds and limiting energy-intensive activities during peak periods. This has resulted in substantial energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Moreover, SMRT Trains (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit) has announced that it has launched a collaborative project using Green Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Next Gen technology to enhance energy efficiency on Singapore’s rail network, in partnership with Hitachi Rail. Phase 1 of the project cut energy use by 8%, saving over 15 million kWh annually, enough to power around 3,000 households.
Trains require regular maintenance, otherwise they consume more electricity than required. Traditional maintenance schedules often lead to either over-servicing (which wastes resources) or under-servicing, often leading to breakdowns. IoT solves this by enabling condition-based and predictive maintenance. Smart sensors monitor the health of critical components like wheels, brakes, engines, and tracks. Besides, machine learning models predict potential failures before they occur. This ensures lesser material waste, lower energy use, and fewer emissions from maintenance operations.
For instance, the French rail network, SNCF is installing IoT devices (smart sensors) on older trains (which do not have any in-built predictive maintenance equipment) to collect data for remote diagnostics of the train. The firm claims that 95% of the time, they are accurate in predicting technical problems. In another example, the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is partnering with Google to implement a pilot program to proactively detect track defects before they lead to service disruptions. The system captures subtle vibrations and sound patterns along the tracks and these real-time data points are then transmitted to cloud-based systems, where AI and machine learning algorithms analyse them for potential defects.
In terms of better traffic management, IoT systems collect and analyse data from trains, signals, weather conditions, and even passenger flow to improve operational efficiency. Real-time train location tracking and smart signalling systems reduce delays and idle time. This minimises empty train runs, optimise fuel/electricity usage, and motivates people to use trains more often and discourage them to travel in their cars. Besides, Smart ticketing and occupancy tracking improve comfort and capacity planning. This results in more efficient operations, reduces the number of vehicles on roads, and lowers environmental impact.
To cite an example, ProRail, which manages the Dutch rail network, was dealing with the issue of aging infrastructure. Therefore, it deployed smart sensors and used the data collected from these sensors to improve train schedules, which provides better experience to travellers, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on roads. Moreover, the Swiss Federal railways (SBB), the largest rail and transport company in the country, uses over one hundred train monitoring systems. Automated sensor and monitoring systems operate continuously to detect issues such as load shifts, overloading, clearance violations, hazardous leaks, overheated brakes, and faulty axle bearings. These systems also monitor trains in motion, preventing incidents without disrupting operations.
The railway sector is already a sustainability leader, but the journey doesn’t stop there. With IoT, operators can unlock the full potential of data to reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and deliver superior service to passengers. By embracing smart, connected infrastructure, IoT can further help rail transport move toward a truly sustainable future, which is faster, safer, and even greener.
