Russian train crash

[rubbertoe]

Been reading a bit about that train crash in Russia. Apparently someone put 15 lbs of TNT next to the tracks, then blew it up right before the train arrived. Since the line is about 400 miles long, its not that surprising that someone could get access to the track and plant the bomb.

So the question for the forum here is, what is to prevent that kind of thing from becoming the next "in thing" for terrorists? On a rail line that is that long, what can be done to automatically detect when someone gets access to do something like that?

RT

[James Fujita]

I could be mistaken, but I think certain types of automatic rail signaling are capable of detecting gaps in the track. Has something to do with whether or not there's a mild electrical current running through the rails. (Obviously not a shocking charge).

Other than that, I'm not sure. Fences in easy to access places, perhaps? Or security cameras along the rail line to detect trespassers. It would help reduce the number of dangerous crossings/ collisions, too.

[jeisenbe]

CAHSR plans to use high fences, electric signaling in fences and rails, and extensive video monitoring to prevent accidents. Even a few stray cows breaking thru a fence, or deer hopping over, could be somewhat dangerous for a high-speed train. I don't know if all that monitoring would make terrorism impossible, but it would not be as easy as on current freight railways.