Mahindra Bolero’s Secret Life As A Rail Inspection Trolley At Chenab Bridge

Mahindra Bolero First Vehicle To Run On The World’s Tallest Railway Arch Bridge At Chenab, J&K

The Indian railways have always been a marvel of engineering. It connects the vast subcontinent through an intricate network of tracks and bridges. One such engineering feat is the Chenab Bridge. Also known as the Chenab Arch Bridge, which stands at an awe-inspiring height of approximately 359 meters. That’s about 1,178 feet above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.

To ensure the safety and reliability of this critical infrastructure, regular inspection of railway tracks and bridges is necessary. This is where the Mahindra Bolero inspection trolley comes into the picture. The Bolero SUV as a rail trolley is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Indian engineers.

Mahindra Bolero: A Unique Solution for Rail Inspections

The Bolero’s tyres are designed for road use, while the support bed’s flanged wheels are designed to fit onto the rail tracks. To make them work together, the tyres must be properly aligned with the rails.

This is achieved through the use of guides or clamps that secure the Bolero’s underbody to the support bed’s structure. Additionally, the Bolero’s tyres may need to be inflated or deflated to ensure that they provide the correct amount of pressure against the rails. This allows the vehicle to move smoothly and safely along the tracks.

What makes the Mahindra Bolero inspection trolley stand out is not just its functionality but also its appearance. Most inspection trolleys are designed with a flat surface and basic seating. So, the Bolero inspection trolley is a treat to the eyes. It is a testament to how practical considerations such as cost and availability can lead to unexpected beauty.

So it was a Mahindra Bolero converted into a rail vehicle that was one of the first vehicles to run on the world’s tallest railway arch bridge at Chenab, J&K, leading the inspection trolleys of @AshwiniVaishnaw. The bridge at 359 m is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.… pic.twitter.com/AMI1rHYgV3

— Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) March 27, 2023

Bolero Goes the Extra Mile: Bringing Innovation to Rail Infrastructure Maintenance

Mahindra Bolero inspection trolley allowed personnel to easily and safely move along the length of the Chenab Bridge to perform visual inspections. At such a great height, it provided a stable and secure working area for personnel. This is critical for the safety of the personnel and the bridge.

Inspection trolleys, also known as track inspection cars or rail vehicles, are specialised vehicles. Designed to run on railroad tracks for the purpose of inspecting and maintaining rail infrastructure such as tracks, bridges, and tunnels. They come in a variety of designs, ranging from simple flatcars with basic seating to more complex vehicles with specialized equipment for testing tracks, signals, and other infrastructure. They can be powered by electricity, diesel, or gas engines, and often have flanged wheels to allow them to run on tracks.

Engineering Ingenuity: This Bolero Was Adapted for Rail Use

The use of rail inspection vehicles/structures is an important aspect of modern rail infrastructure maintenance. It demonstrates the ongoing innovation and development of this important industry. The Mahindra Bolero inspection trolley is just one example of how engineers are adapting existing technologies to meet new challenges.