Operational tests of the new generation of -1/11 and 1/9 turnouts are being conducted at the Bozshakol station. They were designed and manufactured at the turnout production facility of the Railways Systems KZ railway holding. The new designs will improve the quality of passenger and freight transport and increase train speeds.
The new turnouts have been installed to replace mass-produced turnouts and are already demonstrating stable performance. The tests will confirm that the products meet the specified technical characteristics and assess their resistance to operational loads. Over the course of twelve months, switch production specialists from the RWS KZ holding, together with representatives of JSC “NC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy,” have been conducting regular inspections, measuring geometric parameters, and performing preventive maintenance. No serious issues have been identified during the testing period. Standard maintenance work is being carried out on the section in accordance with the instructions for routine railway track maintenance—cleaning the running surfaces, adjusting the switch mechanisms, and checking the tightness of the screws and nuts on the terminal bolts. Upon completion of the tests, an acceptance committee will be formed to determine the feasibility of widespread use of these innovative turnouts on Kazakhstan’s railway network.
The SP-1/11 and SP-1/9 turnouts are designed for R65 rails. They are the result of comprehensive engineering work and bold technical solutions by the company’s team. The maximum speed when using them on a straight track is up to 160 km/h (up to 140 km/h for the 1/9 switch), and on a curved track—up to 50 km/h (up to 40 km/h for the 1/9 switch). Its design includes flexible, welded DZ 350 switch blades 13,320 mm long and a monoblock crosspiece with welded rail ends and a non-impact running surface. The total length of the 1/11 turnout is 34,858 mm, and for the 1/9 turnout, 32,635 mm. This marks the first implementation in Kazakhstan of a new generation of switch products developed by domestic engineers.
The new Railways Systems KZ turnouts are designed to reduce dynamic loads, extend the service life of the track, and ensure smoother passage of rolling stock. Their design features welded rails on the switch points and crossings, as well as a shock-absorbing running surface, which reduces impact forces, improves the dynamics of rolling stock passage, and enhances traffic safety.
The significance of the project extends beyond the production process. The issue of railway infrastructure wear and tear is particularly acute today. According to the Ministry of Transport, 57% of the country’s railway networks require renewal. Without timely renewal, the deterioration of the track negatively impacts the safety and speed of both passenger and freight transport.
In this regard, modernization and the implementation of innovative domestic solutions are becoming a priority of state policy. At this stage, as part of ongoing projects, repairs are underway on 11,000 kilometers of railways, and the construction and reconstruction of another 5,000 kilometers of track is planned. In this context, innovative solutions in the production of track superstructure components could become a fundamental solution for their application.
