At SORHEA, we are proud to contribute to rail safety and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by successfully implementing the “Train-filtering” function in our MAXIRIS infrared barriers, installed for INFRABEL.
This project, at Esneux (near Liège) and at the North-Midi junction in Brussels (one of the country’s busiest railway sites), demonstrates our commitment to innovation in responsible, adaptable and sustainable safety solutions.
To combat track trespassing in certain rail tunnels, INFRABEL, the Belgian rail infrastructure management company, has recently installed MAXIRIS active infrared barriers to detect anyone trespassing on and around the tracks near the tunnels.
The interest in this innovative system has been recognized for several years and was the subject of a report by RTL Belgium television: Benoît Gilson, CEO of INFRABEL, Laura Iker, Mayor of Esneux and Christie Morreale, Esneutoise, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for Employment (pictured opposite) are interviewed about the implemented solution to raise awareness among young people of the dangers of crossing railway tracks.
Our MAXIRIS infrared barriers are state-of-the-art devices designed to prevent trespassing on railway sites. They prevent blockages and other delays caused by rail trespassers thanks to:
- Precise filtering of intruder size and speed. When a person cuts the beams, an audible alarm is triggered, alerting the Control Room. From the video management systems (VMS), an agent can then decide remotely to intervene to apprehend the intruder.
- A filtering functionality that distinguishes intruders from trains, ensuring an appropriate response to each situation.
Our CSR approach is an integral part of our innovation strategy, and rests on three pillars: the protection of individuals, the reduction of environmental impact, and the development of sustainable solutions.
- By preventing intrusions and incidents on railroad tracks, our solutions contribute directly to the safety of railway workers and users alike. Early detection of intrusions can prevent potentially fatal accidents, as witnessed by the sad toll of 649 intrusions and 6 deaths on the Belgian rail network last year.
- In addition, our detection solutions help reduce delays and interruptions to rail traffic, thus minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions linked to frequent train restarts and stops. By guaranteeing a smooth flow of traffic, this solution not only avoids disruptions that would have a direct impact on passengers, but also contributes indirectly to reducing the rail industry’s carbon footprint.
- The development of innovative technologies testifies to our commitment to sustainable solutions. Our SMART BRIDGE software, which integrates our detection systems with VMS (Video Management Systems), optimizes the management of safety data, making interventions more efficient and less energy-consuming.
The implementation of our MAXIRIS solution by INFRABEL demonstrates not only Sorhea’s expertise in rail safety, but also our commitment to a committed CSR approach. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and aiming to protect people and the environment, we are helping to build a safer, more sustainable future for all.
