Railways as the Backbone of Transportation: Advancing Sustainable and Intelligent Systems

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Introduction

As railways continue to solidify their role as the backbone of modern transportation, their contribution to creating sustainable, efficient, and intelligent mobility systems becomes increasingly critical. This themed issue of ICE - Transport offers a comprehensive exploration of the latest advancements in railway systems, with contributions from both extended papers presented at the TS2025 International Conference on Transportation Systems and independent research from the broader academic community. The issue reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of railway engineering, focusing on both traditional and emerging aspects of railway design and management. 

Key topics covered include advancements in railway infrastructure and rolling stock design, ensuring structural integrity and safety, and the adoption of smart technologies for improving railway performance and resilience. Special attention is given to the role of railways in decarbonizing transport networks, the application of digital twins for real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, and the integration of automation within rail systems. The issue also addresses the challenges of enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving the environmental sustainability and resilience of rail systems. By combining insights from conference contributions and independent studies, this themed issue provides a platform for advancing the state-of-the-art in railway systems and structural design. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking innovative solutions to shape the future of transport and reinforce the crucial role of railways in sustainable mobility.the future of transport and reinforce the crucial role of railways in sustainable mobility.

List of topic areas

•    Railway Infrastructure and Structural Integrity
Innovations in track design and materials
Bridge and tunnel engineering for railways
Resilience and durability of railway structures

•    Rolling Stock Design and Performance
Advances in lightweight materials and aerodynamics
Energy-efficient propulsion and braking systems
Noise and vibration reduction technologies

•    Smart Technologies and Digital Transformation
Implementation of digital twins for real-time optimization
AI and machine learning in railway operations
Predictive maintenance and asset management

•    Sustainability and Decarbonization
Electrification and alternative propulsion systems (hydrogen, battery)
Carbon footprint reduction in railway operations
Energy efficiency and renewable energy integration

•    Automation and Intelligent Rail Systems
Autonomous trains and automated traffic management
Enhanced signaling and communication systems
Cybersecurity challenges in smart railways

•    Multimodal Connectivity and Urban Mobility
Integration of railways with other transport modes
Station design and accessibility improvements
High-speed rail and intercity connectivity

•    Safety, Resilience, and Risk Management
Railway safety standards and accident prevention
Climate resilience and extreme weather adaptation
Emergency response and crisis management in rail transport

Submission information

Please submit your abstract to Rebecca Rivers ([email protected]) by 15 July 2025. Authors will then be invited to submit their full paper by 30 September 2025 at https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/journal/jtran.