Hot axle box detectors hot wheel detectors: towards a harmonised, digital and international safety framework

PurposeThis paper presents an integrated technical and economic assessment of hot axle box detectors (HABD) and hot wheel detectors (HWD) important components of derailment prevention strategies, whose role extends beyond auxiliary monitoring to become cornerstones of derailment prevention and operational resilience. Building upon the International Union of Railways (UIC) Network Monitor Phases 1–3, the study synthesises international benchmarking evidence, cost–benefit analysis and operational practice to provide a coherent framework for decision-making, deployment and harmonisation.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology combines three layers: (1) international benchmarking of national rules, detector spacing and alarm thresholds across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia; (2) a cost–benefit model based on avoided accidents, fatalities and disruption, tested through sensitivity analyses of detector density and false-alarm rates; and (3) operational doctrines covering alarm logic, reliability, availability, maintainability and safety requirements, operations control centre integration and lifecycle maintenance. The findings are aligned with European Union Agency for Railways guidance, UIC International Railway Solution (IRS) 70729 and lessons from Demonstration of Railway Infrastructure Reliability and Sustainable Railway projects.FindingsFindings confirm that HABD/HWD systems provide significant safety and economic value when integrated into operational rulebooks, maintenance workflows and digital platforms. Multi-sensor and AI-enabled detectors reduce false positives and enhance early detection, while international harmonisation efforts (e.g. IRS 70729 and EHMS) support cross-border interoperability. This study provides evidence-based guidance for risk-based deployment and lifecycle optimisation within modern railway safety frameworks.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive international synthesis that connects benchmarking, cost–benefit and operational safety frameworks into a structured doctrine for HABD/HWD deployment. It provides infrastructure managers and railway undertakings with evidence-based guidance on risk-based siting, lifecycle optimisation and international harmonisation. The work also contributes to the forthcoming UIC IRS, positioning HABD/HWD as globally relevant digital safety assets within the broader agenda of railway innovation, digitalisation and socio-economic resilience.