Risk-based railway systems design adopted for the XRL

Abstract

The paper introduces the risk-based railway systems design approach adopted by the MTR Corporation for its railway projects and the Express Rail Link (XRL) Project, as part of the extension to the Mainland High-speed Rail Network. The risk-based railway systems design is a top-down approach with a clear definition of project objectives, user requirements, functional requirements which serve as a means for mutual agreement amongst stakeholders as well as for calculation and management of risk started in the early stage of the project lifecycle. This approach identifies overall quantifiable performance targets for the railway projects and assigns the relevant targets to responsible systems so as to ensure the final railway project meeting its operation and maintenance needs upon delivery. This risk-based systems design approach also helps to identify and prepare necessary Operation & Maintenance provisions and procedures during project stage to ensure a safe and up-to-standard service upon opening of the railway. To conclude, the paper talks about how this approach is being adopted for the implementation of the XRL. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.