Description: FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an autonomous railway track monitoring system. In particular, the present invention relates to an autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system and method of operation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] A periodic assessment of railways ensures safety of the track structures and compliance with safety standards to avoid catastrophic failure. Inspections may be made on foot, by riding over the track in a system or through computer vision-based systems etc. With the rise in mobility and traffic on the railroads, the necessity of periodic inspection and maintenance of the railroads has risen. The detailed inspection of the rail track components includes anchors, tie plates, spikes, ties, joint bars etc.

[003] In one of the methods, an inspector walks along the track viewing it for anomaly. On anomaly detection, the inspector notes the details of the anomaly along with approximate location. Depending on the type of anomaly, remedial actions are carried out and are even recorded for future reference. However, such method requires extensive human effort i.e. walking throughout the track to inspect as well as carrying the equipment for assessing the fault. Further, this method is prone to errors, manipulation and inaccurate inefficient data maintenance due to manual detection. Furthermore, such a method requires additional safety measures to be taken while working on the railway track for long hours.

[004] Also, there are push trolleys used by the inspector to monitor the condition of railroad track and its components. The trolley in such inspection is fitted with various sensors in order to detect anomalies or errors or defects in the track. This saves a lot of time compared to the manual method and gives accurate results eliminating any sort of human error. However, the trolley based system still requires a person to push it and maybe 1 or 2 people to alert in case of an incoming train. Therefore, the traditional method of manual measurement and inspection is expensive, subjective and also there are failure in appropriate assessment of the faults.

[005] Many manual or semi-manual automated technologies have been created in recent years to facilitate the manual track geometry measurement and walking inspection process. For track measurement reasons, the manual or semi-manual automated tools are often assembled and dismantled on the track. Many times, such products collect only a few of the required geometry parameters and require additional different tools to collect the remaining parameters. Limited products have the facility of measuring all requisite track geometry parameters as part of one system.

[006] In recent times, hi-rail inspection systems are now equipped with the track geometry measuring system (TGMS) for measuring various geometrical components of the railroad track. The major drawback of this system is that it is not practical or feasible to do inspection with these systems on high traffic railways tracks.

[007] A United States Patent Application US20180057029A1 discloses a track geometry measurement system includes a plurality of wheels, a frame, an inertial measurement unit, a global positioning system, and a processor. The plurality of wheels are operable to trail over railway track. The frame is coupled to the wheels. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is coupled to frame. The global positioning system (GPS) is coupled to the frame. The processor is configured to determine a relative position of a portion of the frame based on data from the GPS and data from the IMU.

[008] Another US application US10518791B2 discloses a railroad track inspection system having multiple track scanning sensors, a data store, and a scan data processor. The track scanning sensors, data store and scan data processor are attached to a common support structure for mounting the system to a railway system in use. An inertia sensor and common master clock are used to make corrections to the output of the track scanning sensors to accommodate dynamic forces in use. The location of track components and/or defects may be logged.

[009] However, the above cited prior arts, the measuring devices are mounted on a frame which may be attached to an existing railway track related system. Maintenance of the railway track with such a system needs to be planned and scheduled in advance so that the identified railway tracks can be blocked for regular trains. The above systems perform measurements or inspections under track loaded condition. Further, the devices in the prior cited patent application are using multiple IMUs and GPS for the measurement of geometry of railway track. However, IMUs have a tendency to drift and requires use of different kind of sensors such as speed determining sensor, distance determining sensor, laser sensors etc. which are not disclosed in the prior arts.

[0010] In view of the above problems associated with the state of the art, there is a need for an efficient system and method for monitoring the railway tracks.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system based autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system and method of operation thereof.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to detect defects on the railway tracks autonomously and to inform the system operator.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to measure track geometry parameters like the rail track dimensions, degree of curve, super elevation, gauge surface and produce reports etc. through a plurality of sensors provided in the system.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to detect and provide the exact location of the anomaly on the track.

[0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide location and orientation of the track, which is further used to calculate the track geometry parameters.

[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide warning to the operator in case of emergency, where the input distance given to the system for measurement and inspection is more that the power capacity of the system.

[0017] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates the isometric view of the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a isometric view of the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system mounted on the track;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of the Track Geometry Measurement process for the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of the Track Defect Detection process for the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection.

[0024] Reference numerals for the components of the autonomous track geometry and inspection system are disclosed herein:

S.No. Components Reference Numerals
1. Track Geometry Measurement System 100
2. Track Inspection Unit 102
3. GPS 104
4. IMU 106
5. Vision sensor 108
6. Visual Data 110
7. Camera Unit 112
8. Speed and Distance Sensor 114
9. Motor drive unit 116
10. Laser Sensor 118
11. Proximity Sensor 120
12. Alert Unit 122
13. Computing Unit 124
14. Control Unit 126
15. Camera Unit 128
16. GPS 130
17. Communication module 132
18. Lock Mechanism 144
19. Wheels 134
20. Robotic legs 140

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention discloses an autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system and its method of functioning. The system analyzes the railway track by measuring the railway track parameters such as: dimensions, degree of curve, super elevation, gauge etc. to generate reports in real time. The system includes a power management unit, a communication unit, an instrumentation box, a control unit, a track geometry measurement system, a track inspection unit, a computing unit, a control unit, alert unit and a lock module. The track geometry measurement system (TGMS) is equipped with a plurality of sensors which receive or transmit data over a wired connection or wirelessly. Further, the TGMS is connected to computing unit of the instrumentation box. The computing unit is connected to the motor unit of the system to manage the power input from a power management unit. The power management unit estimates the possible travel distance based on available power, past power consumption and the terrain on which the system has to travel. Furthermore, the system also incorporates a self-locking mechanism to lock and unlock the system on the track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention maybe embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0028] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purposes only and not for limiting the invention.

[0029] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0031] The present invention relates to an autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system capable of autonomous monitoring of railroad tracks for anomalies. Figure 1 of the present invention illustrates a block diagram representing various components of the railway track inspection system. The railway track geometry measurement and inspection system is configured on the autonomous system to perform the assessment of the track for any anomaly. The system provides easy installation and uninstallation from the system to reduce human effort. Further, for inspecting the railway track a predefined route maybe fed to the inspection system as per the track maintenance schedule.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates the components of the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system comprising a power management unit (138) providing power supply to the system; a motor drive unit (116) propelling the system on the railway track; a communication module (132) transmitting and receiving signals between the various components of the autonomous system; an instrumentation module (142) configured to protect the components of the system; a control unit (124) configured to receive data from plurality of sensors for assessing railway track anomalies; a plurality of proximity sensors (120) configured to determine the proximity of objects near to the system; an alert unit (130) sending signal to the system operator regarding operation failure; and a lock module (144) locking the wheels of the inspection system on to the railway track. Further, the motor drive unit (116) is connected to the computing unit (124) for monitoring and controlling the movement of the system; a track geometry measurement system (TGMS) (100) connected with plurality of sensor to receive rail track parameters; a track inspection unit (TIU) (102) configured to determine the location and type of defects on the railway track; an instrumentation module (142) encasing a computing unit (124) and communication module (132); the computing unit (104) configured to receive data from the TGMS, the track inspection unit, and the proximity sensor (120) is connected to the computing unit (104) for interpreting the received data and avoiding collision with obstacle. .

[0033] The components of the autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system are discussed herein in detail:

(a) Power management unit (138): A power management unit (138) is configured on the top of the system to supply power to the system. The power unit (138) includes the following but is not limited to a plurality of batteries, a plurality of fuel cells, and a plurality of solar cells or any other power source. The power unit (138) is connected to the motor unit (116) via coupling connector assemblies to ease the process of assembly, removal and replacements. The power management unit (138) estimates the possible travel distance based on available power, past power consumption and the terrain on which the system has to travel. It also provides warning to the operator/driver in case the system does not have sufficient power back to return to the starting point on the completion of the inspection or to continue the track inspection. The system may have an emergency backup power system, so that it can be located in case of primary battery failure or any defects in its functioning.

[0034] (b) Motor drive unit (116): A motor drive unit (116) of the system provides propulsion of the system in a desired direction. The motor unit maybe placed on the lower side of the system close to the wheels. Further, the motor drive unit (116) is connected to the computing unit (124) to monitor and control the movement of the system such as, start/stop the system, increase/decrease the speed of the system based on the internal analysis of the data. The motor drive unit is connected with a power management unit.

[0035] (c) Communication module (132): A communication module (132) is configured to transmit and receive signals between the different components of the railway track monitoring system. The communication module includes but not limited to transmitters, antennas, Bluetooth, GSM, receiver, transducer and communication channel. The communication module (132) also provides communication between control unit and the system. The communication can be short range wireless interface, an interconnecting cable, a wireless communication network, or any suitable combination of wireless and wired communication networks.

[0036] (d) Instrumentation module (142): The instrumentation module (142) is located inside the system and includes a computing unit (124), and a communication module (132). The box is weather resistant and durable to protect the components encased in it. Thereby protecting the components from damage or degradation due to environmental conditions.

[0037] (e) Computing unit (124): A computing unit (124) is integrated inside the instrumentation module (142). The computing unit (104) is configured to receive data from the TGMS, the track inspection unit, and the proximity sensors. It can receive, record and process the data. The processing result is stored in a storing unit like, but not limited to, micro SD card.

[0038] (f) Control Unit (126): The Control Unit (126) is connected with the computing unit (124) wirelessly to determine whether the parameters measured are within the permissible tolerance limits. It includes but is not limited to a laptop, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a smart phone, a programming device, or any suitable computer device. The control unit is used for setup, configuration and calibration of the system. The control unit can retrieve test data, view test data and generate reports from the test data. The reports may be directly sent to the central server maintained by the Railways if required. The control unit (126) receives images and videos from the autonomous system which can be viewed on the control unit (126) in real- time.

[0039] (g) Track Geometry Measurement System (100): The track geometry measurement system (TGMS) (100) is connected with plurality of sensors to receive the rail track parameters i.e., distance, speed, mileage, GPS coordinates, images of the anomaly, physical track measurements (i.e., curvature, elevation, alignment, unevenness, gauge), etc. which are evaluated by the TGMS (100) to assess the severity of anomaly in the railway track. The TGMS transmits the assessed data to the computing unit (124) via wired or wireless connection. The plurality of sensors transmitting signal to the TGMS are discussed herein in detail:

I. a Speed and Distance Sensor (114)- The speed and distance sensor (114) is positioned over wheel of the system to measure the speed of the system relative to the railway track. Further, the sensor also measures the real time distance of the system from the starting point. The speed and distance data recorded by the sensor is transferred to the TGMS (100) for further assessment.

II. a Global Positioning System (GPS) (104): The GPS (104) provides geographical coordinates of the system connected to the TGMS (100) for the reference of track geometry measurements. It is positioned over the top of the system. It provides data to the computing unit for monitoring progress and/or determining arrival at a desired destination. The GPS module (104) is configured to provide data regarding the position and orientation of the railway track.

III. A Laser Sensor (118): A laser sensor (118) is configured to emit laser light pulses to the railway track to determine the proximity of the track by measuring the time taken by the reflected light to return back to the laser sensor. The laser sensor (118) is located over the top of the system. The laser sensor (118) forms point clouds i.e., set of data points in space representing a 3D shape of the object, thereby providing local position of the track. The 3D representation of the object/ proximity of the track is saved in a cloud database, allowing the operator to overcome any irregularities (if any) in the track.

IV. Laser profiling sensors (136): a plurality of laser profiling sensor (136) are positioned on the sides of the autonomous system. A plurality of laser profiling sensor (136) measures horizontal and vertical profiles of the railway track to detect conditions such as gauge, cant, vertical wear, rail head loss etc. Laser sensor uses triangulation process for three-dimensional profile detection. By using special lenses, a laser beam is enlarged to form a static laser line and is projected onto the target surface. The optical system projects the diffusely reflected light of this laser line onto a highly sensitive sensor matrix.

V. Camera Unit (112): The camera unit includes a plurality of image capturing devices connected to a plurality of vision sensors forming a unit. The same are discussed below in detail,
i. Image Capturing Device: a plurality of image capturing devices are configured to be mounted on various parts of the system to capture image/video of the railway track as well as the surroundings. The image capturing device includes but is not limited to a single lens-reflex camera, a digital camera, a digital video camera etc. The image capturing device transmits the images or videos through wired or wireless internet connection, Bluetooth etc. for processing the images for various anomalies on railway track. In an exemplary embodiment, the image capturing device is positioned as such on the system that it captures video or/and images of the rail track under the system in motion. The functioning of the image capturing device maybe customizable and remotely controlled to view various angles of the railway track. The positioning of the image capturing device is based on the direction of travel of the system.
ii. Vision Sensor (108): a plurality of vision sensors (108) are configured to be connected with the plurality of image capturing device, in order to analyze the images captured by the camera to determine the local position of the system. All the visual data (110) from the image capturing module and vision sensors are fed to the Track Geometry Measurement System (100) to measure the optical flow which may aid in determining the local position of the system.

VI. Inertial Measurement Unit (106): The Inertial Measurement Unit (106) is placed over the top of the system. It includes a plurality of gyroscopes or accelerometer for measurement of alignment and surface of track. The plurality of gyroscope includes but not limited to spinning wheel or MEMS type or vertical gyroscopes. The vertical gyroscope is used for determining the grade of the track, curvature and super elevation of the track. The plurality of gyroscopes or accelerometers used to increase the accuracy.

[0040] (h) Track Inspection Unit (102): The track inspection unit (TIU) (102) is configured to determine the location and type of defects on the railway track. The track inspection unit includes a Camera Unit (128) and a GPS receiver (130), the same are discussed herein in detail:

i. Camera Unit (128): The plurality of camera unit includes an image capturing device connected to a plurality of vision sensor forming a unit. The plurality of image capturing device are configured to capture image and/or video of the railway track. There a plurality of camera units positioned at different angles in the system. The first unit is placed facing downward (128b) on the front of the right side of the system to examine the right side of the railway track, the second unit is placed facing downward on the front of the left side (128c) of the system to examine the left side of the track, the third unit is placed in the middle of the system facing downwards (128a) to examine the top of the rail track system. The vision sensors analyze the images captured by the image capturing device to examine the railway track for the presence of defect.

ii. Global Positioning System (130): The GPS (130) is placed over the top of the system. The GPS receiver (130) is configured to determine the location of the defects and/or anomaly detected by the track inspection unit (102).

[0041] (i) Proximity sensors (120): A plurality of proximity sensors (120) are configured to determine the proximity of objects or trains near to the system. The primary function of the proximity sensor (120) is to work as a primary collision/ obstruction avoidance system for the system. Such sensors are positioned at front and rear of the system. Proximity sensors (120) may be but not limited to ultrasonic sensors, pulse rated sensors, RFID transceivers, infrared distance sensors, optical distance sensors etc. The proximity sensor is connected to the computing unit which interprets the data received from the proximity sensors (120) and in condition of collision or detection of any obstacle, it sends the appropriate signal to the motor unit of the system for halting the operation of the system.

[0042] (j) Alert Unit (122): An alert unit (122) is configured to send the alert signals based on the internal analysis of the data such as, detection of obstacle, approaching train etc.

[0043] (k) Lock Module (144): As illustrated in Figure 3, the autonomous system has a self-locking mechanism, which locks the autonomous system to the railway track. The self-locking mechanism comprises of two features i.e., on sensing the approaching train or any obstacle, the alert system alerts the operator, unlocks the system from the rail tracks and makes it fall on either side of railroads to avoid collision; secondly the self-locking mechanism locks itself on the track before starting the track monitoring. In an embodiment, robotic legs (140) are provided with the system using which the system can step aside from the track on sensing an approaching train/obstacle and it will position and lock itself after finding the rail track free and resume the operation.

[0044] (l) Wheels (134): The autonomous system movement on the track is supported by the wheel (134).

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous system on identification of a defect, checks it with the stored data available with the computing unit. In case of low probability defect detection, the system may trace back to some distance and re-perform the track inspection to confirm the same.

[0046] The method of functioning of track inspection unit involves calibration of the camera unit to capture the image and/or video of the railway track followed by turning on the location sensor configured to capture location coordinates that provides exact location of the anomaly on the railway track. The vision sensor present in the camera unit of the track inspection unit generates point clouds i.e. set of data points in space representing a 3D shape of the object. The identification of the defects maybe done by using artificial intelligence technology. The captured images and the point cloud are stored in the data set for training the system to get the more accuracy. The data is then sent to a computing unit which uses pre-trained AI models for determining the anomaly on the railway track. The data is then stored in the storing unit regarding the anomaly along with its location. In case of low severity of anomaly, the computing unit records the data along with the GPS coordinates. In case of high severity of anomaly, the computing unit sends an alert to the server and the operator based on the data received from the track inspection unit.

[0047] In another embodiment, the report generated on analyzing the track defects is shared with the operator and/or concerned authorities so that appropriate measures are taken to prevent any mishappening.

[0048] Figure 4 and Figure 5 of the present invention relate to a method of operation of a system for monitoring railway tracks. The method comprises of the following steps:
a) supplying power to the monitoring system via power management unit (138) ;
b) receiving the geographical co-ordinates for inspecting the railway track;
c) configuring the communication module (132) for transmitting and receiving signals between the different components of the railway track inspection system;
d) locking the wheels of the system on to the railway track via lock module;
e) propulsion of the system over the railway track via a motor drive unit (116);
f) measuring the speed and real time distance of the system relative to the railway track via speed and distance sensor (114);
g) estimating the location coordinates of the anomaly on the railway track via GPS through the TGMS unit (100);
h) determining proximity of the track to the system via laser sensor (118);
i) detecting anomalies such as gauge, cant, vertical wear, rail head loss etc. via laser profiling sensor (136);
j) calibrating the camera unit to generate point clouds via vision sensor in space representing a 3D shape of the object for capturing the image and/or video of the railway track through the TIU unit (102);
k) analyzing the images captured by the camera to determine the local position of the system;
l) measuring geometry of the railway track with the help of a plurality of sensors integrated in the system;
m) detecting the position and orientation of the railway track by a GPS module (104);
n) measuring the alignment and surface of the track via Inertial Measurement Unit (106);
o) determining the location and type of defects on the railway track via track inspection unit (102);
p) processing data from the plurality of sensors to calculate geometry parameters like gauge, curvature, alignment variation, super elevation etc.;
q) comparing the data evaluated by the computing unit (124) with the existing railway track parameters;
r) detecting the deviations in geometry parameters of the railway track to assess the type of anomaly;
s) alerting the operator in case of detection of any obstacle via alert unit (122);
t) creating a detailed report of anomalies on the track by the control unit (126); and
u) sending the report to any required server to take necessary steps to overcome the defects mentioned in the report.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the system may function in a semi-autonomous mode in which it is controlled by the operator remotely. The operator instructs the system to operate autonomously between the geographical coordinates or some specific points. The operator remotely controls and commands the system based on his visual perception of the system, through the cameras fitted on the system. The system in such embodiment, may after performing the prescribed work and returning back to its original position may provide the detected data to the operator.

[0050] In another alternative embodiment, the track monitoring technique used is manual location mode. In such embodiment, the operator handles and commands the system about the starting point and direction of travel.

[0051] In another embodiment, the track monitoring technique used is automatic location mode. In such an embodiment, the system may have access to the database with GPS location so it can determine its starting point and direction of travel.

[0052] The advantages of the system of the present invention are discussed herein:
? the system of the present invention autonomously detects the defects on the railway tracks, generates reports and send alerts to the control unit;
? the system of the present invention autonomously detects the exact location of the defects on the railway tracks via plurality of sensors embedded in the system;
? the system of the present invention has locking module which enables the system to avoid collision in case of any obstruction
? It uses multiple IMUs and GPS for the measurement of geometry of railway track. As IMU has a tendency to drift, it uses different kind of sensors such as speed determining sensor, distance determining sensor, laser sensors etc. to compensate.
? It measures track geometry parameters and also detects track defects.
? The system of the present invention is compact, robust and capable of working continuously during the severe atmospheric and climatic conditions.
? The system of the present invention is water resistant and dust proof, enabling the detection of anomaly in harsh environment of dust, vibration, shock, rain, wind and fog, which are normally encountered on railways.
? The vehicle used in the present invention is compact, light weighted that can easily be carried by one person.

[0053] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. An autonomous railway track geometry measurement and inspection system, comprising:
a) a power management unit (138) providing power supply to the system;
b) a motor drive unit (116) propelling the system on the railway track;
c) a communication module (132) transmitting and receiving signals between the various components of the railway track monitoring system;
d) an instrumentation module (142) configured to protect the components of the system;
e) a control unit (124) configured to receive data from plurality of sensors for assessing railway track anomalies;
f) a plurality of proximity sensors (120) configured to determine the proximity of objects near to the system;
g) an alert unit (130) sending signal to the system operator regarding operation failure;
h) a wheel (134) supporting movement of the system on the railway track; and
i) a lock module (144) locking the wheels of the system on the railway track;
Wherein:
i. the motor drive unit (116) is connected to the computing unit (124) for monitoring and controlling the movement of the system;
ii. a track geometry measurement system (TGMS) (100) connected with plurality of sensor to receive rail track parameters;
iii. a track inspection unit (TIU) (102) configured to determine the location and type of defects on the railway track;
iv. an instrumentation module (142) encasing a computing unit (124) and communication module (132);
v. the computing unit (104) configured to receive data from the TGMS, the track inspection unit; and
vi. the proximity sensor (120) is connected to the computing unit (104) for interpreting the received data and avoiding collision with obstacle.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the track geometry measurement system (TGMS) (100) comprises:
i. a plurality of camera unit (112) capturing image of the track and surrounding;
ii. a speed and distance sensor (114) positioned over any wheel of the inspection system measuring the speed and distance of the system;
iii. a laser sensor (118) determining proximity of the track to the system;
iv. a plurality of laser profiling sensor (136) detecting anomalies such as gauge, cant, vertical wear, rail head loss etc.;
v. a GPS system (104) calibrating position and orientation of the railway track; and
vi. an Inertial Measurement Unit (106) measuring the alignment and surface of the track.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (126) wirelessly communicates with the computing unit (104) to determine pre-set tolerance limit of measured parameters of the track.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein track inspection unit (TIU) (102) comprises a camera unit (128) and a GPS receiver (130) for determining the location and type of defects on the railway track.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system generates anomaly report via the control unit (126) includes but is not limited to degree of curve, super elevation, gauge surface.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of inertial sensor unit comprises plurality of gyroscopes and accelerometer.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock module (144) comprises robotic legs (140) to step aside from the track on sensing an obstacle.

8. A method for operation of the track geometry measurement and inspection system as claimed in claim 1 comprising steps of:
a) supplying power to the monitoring system to via power management unit (138) ;
b) receiving the geographical co-ordinates for inspecting the railway track;
c) configuring the communication module (132) for transmitting and receiving signals between the different components of the railway track system;
d) locking the wheels of the system on to the railway track via lock module;
e) propulsion of the system over the railway track via a motor drive unit (116);
f) measuring the speed and real time distance of the system relative to the railway track via speed and distance sensor (114);
g) estimating the location coordinates of the anomaly on the railway track via GPS through the TGMS unit (100);
h) determining proximity of the track to the system via laser sensor (118);
i) detecting anomalies such as gauge, cant, vertical wear, rail head loss etc. via laser profiling sensor (136);
j) calibrating the camera unit to generate point clouds via vision sensor in space representing a 3D shape of the object for capturing the image and/or video of the railway track through the TIU unit (102);
k) analyzing the images captured by the camera to determine the local position of the system;
l) measuring geometry of the railway track with the help of a plurality of sensors integrated in the system;
m) detecting the position and orientation of the railway track by a GPS module (104);
n) measuring the alignment and surface of the track via Inertial Measurement Unit (106);
o) determining the location and type of defects on the railway track via track inspection unit (102);
p) processing data from the plurality of sensors to calculate geometry parameters like gauge, curvature, alignment variation, super elevation etc.;
q) comparing the data evaluated by the computing unit (124) with the existing railway track parameters;
r) detecting the deviations in geometry parameters of the railway track to assess the type of anomaly;
s) alerting the operator in case of detection of any obstacle via alert unit (122);
t) creating a detailed report of anomalies on the track by the control unit (126); and
u) sending the report to any required server to take necessary steps to overcome the defects mentioned in the report.