The Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions on Rail Traffic

Road infrastructure is exposed to a greater risk from extreme weather conditions than rail infrastructure. However, since even the slightest damage to the tracks can lead to serious traffic disruptions, increasing attention is being paid to analyzing the impact of climate change on railways. Another reason for this is that rail is becoming an important form of public transport thanks to its high capacity, high speed and environmental efficiency. This paper analyzes the effects of extreme weather events caused by climate change on railway infrastructure and thus on transport. High temperatures, precipitation, wind gusts and more frequent snow and ice events lead to disruptions in rail operations worldwide. These conditions lead to infrastructure damage, delays, safety risks and higher maintenance costs. Extreme weather conditions can also have an indirect impact on rail transportation by driving up financial costs due to delays, route changes or train cancelations. High temperatures cause track buckling, while heavy rainfall and flooding affect embankments, track geometry and electrical systems. Strong gusts of wind damage overhead lines and affect the stability of trains, and winter weather conditions lead to icing, visibility problems and equipment failures. As rail transport becomes an increasingly important form of public transportation, it is important to consider the harmful weather conditions to which railways are exposed and to adapt them in good time to ensure their efficiency.