The Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) is celebrating its 25th birthday commemorating the relocation to Monash University a quarter of a century ago.
Originally established in 1972 as BHP Melbourne Research Laboratories (MRL), the Institute is Australia's leading track and vehicle railway research centre with an international reputation for excellence in translational railway research.
Last year Monash University signed an MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) to collaborate on railway research and training activities through the Monash IRT. This new partnership is a further expansion of Monash's engagement with India, which has at its foundation partnership with IITB on the IITB-Monash Research Academy.
Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Director of the Institute of Railway Technology, Monash University, said his team will continue to address the evolving challenges of railways, ensuring a sustainable and efficient railway system for generations to come.
"We're honoured to celebrate this milestone at Monash University where we have pioneered research, innovation and collaborations to advance the railway industry," said Professor Ravitharan.
"We started with a team of 10, now we have 70 railway experts who have completed over 700 projects worldwide, collaborating with over 170 railway entities.
"As Monash IRT looks to the future, we remain committed to working closely with industry, government and academic stakeholders to advance the railway industry through innovative research, education and training."
Professor Mike Ryan, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice President at Monash University, said Monash IRT has led the way in developing advanced technologies and methodologies for the railway industry.
"Whether it's implementing the world-leading Instrumented Vehicle Systems, or working with large partners like the Hong Kong metro to maximise efficiency, Monash IRT has built strong partnerships to drive impactful change," said Professor Ryan.
"This reflects what Monash does so well: partnering with industry, community and governments, nationally and internationally, to enable us to produce exceptional, responsible research with real-world impact within the region and globally."
Professor Ravitharan said research is now ongoing to support operators and governments to improve rail safety at level crossings. This will include a low-cost non-visual risk management system to improve visibility and behavior when approaching railway level crossings.
Other research is focusing on the use of high strength recycled plastics in railways, such as repurposed rail sleepers and tram stops, diverting millions of tons of waste plastics from landfill into reusable sustainable products for railways.
Monash IRT also supports federal and state government initiatives including the National Rail Action Plan, the National Rail Manufacturing Plan and the High Speed Rail.
