Indian Railways Launches Major Reforms Under 'Reforms Express' Initiative
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday unveiled significant new reforms for Indian Railways, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of the 'Reforms Express'. The announcement introduces two key initiatives: a comprehensive rail technology policy and reforms aimed at streamlining the disposal of railway claims tribunal cases.
New Rail Tech Policy to Boost Innovation
The newly introduced rail tech policy is designed to foster innovation by engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including innovators, startups, industry players, and academic institutions. This policy simplifies the selection process for innovators and introduces a user-friendly 'Rail Tech Portal' dedicated to innovation. The portal allows any innovator or departmental user to initiate innovation challenges, promoting a collaborative approach to technological advancement.
Key features of the policy include:
- Single-stage detailed submission: Innovators can submit proposals in a streamlined, single-stage process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Increased scale-up grants: The grant for scaling up innovations has been increased more than threefold, providing substantial financial support.
- Doubled prototype grants: Maximum grants for prototype development and trials have been doubled, encouraging more experimental projects.
- User-friendly interface: The portal offers an intuitive interface to enhance accessibility and ease of use for all participants.
Reforms in Railway Claims Tribunal Cases
In addition to the tech policy, reforms have been introduced to improve the disposal of railway claims tribunal cases. These changes aim to expedite the resolution process, reducing delays and enhancing efficiency in handling claims. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize administrative procedures within Indian Railways.
Background: The '52 Reforms in 52 Weeks' Roadmap
Last month, Minister Vaishnaw convened a meeting with senior railway officials to outline a ambitious roadmap titled '52 Reforms in 52 Weeks', scheduled for implementation in 2026. Deliberations during this meeting focused on expanding infrastructure, improving maintenance practices, and increasing network capacity. Officials emphasized the need for wide-ranging changes to enhance passenger facilities and strengthen operational safety.
The initiative is intended to bring structural improvements in efficiency, administration, and service standards. A press note highlighted a strong emphasis on safety, with a target to reduce railway accidents to a single-digit figure from the 11 recorded in 2025-26.
Additional Measures Under the Reform Agenda
The reform agenda includes several additional measures aimed at modernizing Indian Railways:
- Greater use of AI and digital technologies: Leveraging artificial intelligence and digital tools to optimize operations and improve service delivery.
- Modernization of talent development: Upgrading training systems to build a skilled workforce capable of handling advanced technologies.
- Improvements in food and catering services: Enhancing the quality and efficiency of onboard catering to improve passenger experience.
These reforms collectively represent a significant step towards transforming Indian Railways into a more efficient, safe, and innovative public transport system, in line with the government's broader economic and developmental goals.
