How to Cool Railway Tracks During Heatwaves

When the temperature of the steel rails exceeds 60°C, the metal expands, potentially causing train misalignment or even derailment. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) deploys fire - fighting trains to spray water on the tracks while they are moving for cooling.

Previously, SBB tested alternative methods like painting the tracks white to slow down heat absorption. However, the experiment showed it was ineffective, and the project was abandoned. Now, SBB relies on fire - fighting trains to cool the railway tracks in extreme heat, effectively preventing track deformation and reducing the risk of accidents on the Swiss railway network. Each fire - fighting train is 9.5 meters long and weighs 12.6 tons. It can carry up to 28,000 liters of water and can be equipped with an additional 45,000 - liter water tank to enhance its cooling capacity. Currently, SBB operates 16 such trains to ensure the safety of the railway system during heatwaves. In addition, these trains can clean drainage pipes and remove dust during ballast work, making them versatile.