UIC Infrastructure Narrow Gauge Taskforce Proposes a Comprehensive Examination of Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality
The UIC Infrastructure Narrow Gauge Taskforce was launched in 2024 to bring together experts from Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Europe to connect the different regions to share concerns and develop solutions.
After identifying the main gaps in infrastructure standards, the group then launched the Narrow-Gauge Maintenance Taskforce, which will start by carrying out a Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality (FMECA) analysis of the narrow‑gauge infrastructure (e.g. track components, geometry, and subgrade drainage, formation, etc.).
As developing a complete FMECA would be overly complex, the new task force will focus on the failure modes that are particularly relevant on narrow-gauge networks, such as the most probable or severe issues, or those that may require specific narrow-gauge solutions.
The aim is to deliver a short but insightful document (as there is no precedent for narrow gauge) that summarises the work undertaken, and which can support narrow-gauge networks in enhancing their asset management strategy and mitigating the most significant problems.
The task force expects to take one year to conclude the FMECA, although new narrow-gauge relevant topics may be chosen later on to continue the work. It will also provide an opportunity for global experts to work together, share best practices, and learn from each other, as it will be conducted by alternating online working sessions with presentations and workshops.
The next taskforce meeting will take place in March 2026 and will focus on identifying the most relevant narrow-gauge hazards as a starting point for the FMECA assessment. UIC encourages narrow-gauge experts all over the world to join, as the more expertise the task force can draw on, the more useful the results delivered will be.