From 19 to 29 November 2024, the 11th edition of Training on Track Maintenance took place in the Rabat Training Centre, Morocco, organised by the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), UIC Africa, and UIC. Over the 10 days, participants from eight countries from North, West, and Central Africa attended courses presented by ONCF colleagues.

Jesus Palma, UIC Advisor from the Railway System Department Unit of Asset Management, Infrastructure and TTI, held a session on 29 November 2024 presenting the “Use of drones in railways”. The presentation focused on the general application of drones for railway inspections, via regulatory frameworks, UIC projects, and use cases, such as intrusion control, fauna, and thermic inspections, as well as an in-depth explanation of the use of drones for bridge inspections.

This was followed by an animated discussion with the participants on the topics discussed, in addition to the potential use of artificial intelligence.