This research investigates the intricate relationship between load variations

environmental conditions

and the resultant stray current generation within DC railway systems. A scaled-down single-viaduct model was employed to establish a controlled experimental environment for real-time monitoring of voltage differentials between the railway tracks and the grounding structure. This research developed a stray current monitoring system for a scaled-down single-viaduct model. The system comprises of a power supply

voltage and current measurement capabilities at the power supply

and two levels of stray current measurements at each point. Data such as ambient temperature and humidity

current and voltage at the power supply

and voltage differentials between the railway tracks and the grounding structure are recorded using an Arduino Mega2560 microcontroller. It is hypothesised that stray currents

quantified as voltage differentials between the tracks and the grounding structure

vary in response to changes in load and environmental conditions. Experiments were conducted under various scenarios: variable load

constant load with rain

and constant load across different seasons. The results indicated that with a variable load

the voltage between the tracks increased. During constant load with rain

the average voltage between the tracks rose due to decreased insulation between the tracks and the grounding structure. Lastly

under constant load across different seasons

the most significant voltage change was observed during the rainy season. The findings demonstrate a significant correlation between these variables

with a pronounced influence of environmental conditions

particularly precipitation

on voltage fluctuations. These results underscore the critical importance of effective stray current mitigation strategies for safeguarding the integrity of railway infrastructure and ensuring the safety of personnel. The study offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of stray current phenomena and provides essential insights for the development of advanced protection systems.