Celebrating 40 years of railway innovation
Director of IRT Ravi Ravitharan
Australia's premier applied research centre in railway technology has celebrated four decades of innovative solutions in mining and commuter rail systems.
Monash University's Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with representatives of industry and government at a gala dinner in Melbourne.
The Victorian Minister for Public Transport and Roads, The Honourable Terry Mulder, delivered a keynote address focusing on the importance of rail to Victoria’s future productivity. Representatives of long-term IRT clients, the Hong Kong rail authority MTR and Rio Tinto Iron Ore both acknowledged their strong partnerships with IRT during their speeches.
Originally part of research activities undertaken for the companies now known as BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Rio Tinto Iron Ore, IRT is now an applied research centre at Monash University. It provides technical assistance to the world’s three biggest iron ore producers, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Vale (Brazil), and more than 90 other railway entities, including leading commuter rail authorities.
IRT, which has clients in several countries, specialises in providing comprehensive solutions to technical issues in existing rail systems, whether they transport iron ore, freight or commuters. It is also a leader in remotely monitoring tracks and rolling stock using cutting-edge technology to detect faults before catastrophic failures occur.
Monash University's Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish, congratulated IRT on leading the Australian railway technology field for four decades.
"The Institute of Railway Technology is a great example of how universities and industry can collaborate to develop solutions that drive technology forward," Professor Cornish said.
"IRT was born out of industry need and now real-world problems continue to drive its agenda."
Director of IRT, Ravi Ravitharan, said the institute was set to build on its success.
“IRT is continuously developing new technologies to support increasing productivity and safety requirements of the rail industry,” Mr Ravitharan said.
"Being part of Australia's largest university, IRT is well-placed to continue to lead the railway research and technology needs of the rejuvenated railway industry."