Railway safety research at NCSTT is strategically oriented toward strengthening the resilience and reliability of rail transportation systems amid growing operational demands. The research emphasizes system-level safety governance, risk-based decision making, and the integration of safety considerations across infrastructure, rolling stock, signaling, operations, and human factors. By adopting multidisciplinary and data-driven approaches, NCSTT aims to support the development of safer and more robust railway systems aligned with international safety frameworks and best practices. This research contributes to national efforts in enhancing rail transport performance while ensuring long-term safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
In collaboration with PT INKA, NCSTT conducted product development research for the Soekarno–Hatta Airport–Tangerang–Manggarai rail corridor, which is operated by Railink using an electrified traction system with overhead catenary power supply.
Figure 1. Airport train Railink model
The primary objective of this research is to develop a rail vehicle platform that complies with the International Union of Railways standard UIC 518 for ride safety, vibration behavior, and dynamic performance. The research particularly emphasized on minimizing vibration and noise transmission from the track and bogie system into the passenger cabin to maintain comfort levels under operational conditions.
The research scope includes system-level train design, structural configuration development, and iterative numerical simulations of the carbody structure to achieve optimal NVH performance. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is applied to evaluate structural strength, stiffness, and dynamic response. To assess the resonance behavior and transmission paths of the design, structural vibration modeling is performed, followed by the design and implementation of countermeasures to reduce vibration propagation.
Figure 2. Planned spots for vibration and noise measurement on the Railink train carbody
Figure 3. Finite element analysis results on strain and deflection (b) distribution on the Railink train carbody
The development includes the train prototype assembly and experimental validation. The performed experimental activities include structural strength modeling, vibration characterization, damping evaluation of sandwich-structure components, and verification of NVH countermeasure effectiveness. These steps ensure alignment between numerical simulation results and physical performance.
The targeted outcome of the program is a passenger rail coach that achieves interior noise levels below 68 dB and complies with UIC 518 requirements. Beyond the Airport Railink application, the design methodology and structural engineering approach developed in this research are scalable to other urban rail systems, including LRT platforms and future domestic railway products.
Through this engineering-driven development process, the program strengthens national capability in railway vehicle design, structural optimization, and NVH compliance within Indonesia’s rail manufacturing ecosystem.