Indian Railways is undergoing a massive transformation, leveraging the newest innovations and technologies to revolutionize its operations and infrastructure.
- Hydrogen Trains: Indian Railways is launching its first hydrogen train project as part of the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative. A hydrogen production and refueling station is being established in Jind, Haryana. The pilot project will convert a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit rake on the Sonipat-Jind route into a hydrogen-powered train. The inaugural hydrogen train is set to run on the 89-kilometre stretch between Jind and Sonipat, with operations expected to commence in 2024. The project aims to save Indian Railways approximately 23 million INR (~$275,829) annually. This initiative underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to adopting sustainable and eco-friendly technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven predictive maintenance platforms, like those developed by start-ups such as Amygda AI, are transforming Indian Railways. These platforms utilise data-fueled AI to predict equipment failures, reducing unplanned downtime and extending asset life. The AI-based ‘Gajraj’ software, developed to prevent train-elephant collisions, uses optical fiber cable (OFC) to alert locomotive pilots of suspicious activity near tracks. Successfully tested in Assam, ‘Gajraj’ will be introduced across 700 km of elephant corridors in various states within eight months, at an estimated cost of Rs 181 crore. The system detects vibrations caused by elephant movement, triggering alerts and distinguishing between different types of movements, thereby enhancing safety and preventing accidents.
- Kavach: Kavach, an indigenously developed automatic train protection system by Indian Railways, is designed to prevent accidents caused by human errors, including signal passing at danger and excessive speeding. Kavach controls train speed through automatic brake application, repeats signal aspects in the cab, and whistles automatically at level crossings. With significant export potential due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency, Kavach is set to cover 2,500 km of railway routes in 2024, expanding to 5,000 km annually from 2025. Major electronics and telecom manufacturers’ interest in producing Kavach in India further bolsters its export potential, enhancing the industry’s overall capacity.
- Push-Pull Technology: Indian Railways introduced Amrit Bharat Trains in 2023 to enhance long-distance travel. These non-air-conditioned trains, offering sleeper and general facilities, feature a push-pull configuration with locomotives at both ends. This design, first unveiled on 30th December 2023, facilitates superior acceleration and minimises turnaround times during directional reversals. The inaugural journey, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a significant upgrade in travel experience. Driven by two WAP-5 locomotives equipped with vibration-resistant engines, these trains provide a smooth and efficient journey, linking cities more than 800 km apart or requiring over ten hours of travel with current services.
- Bio Toilets: Indian Railways addresses the issue of dirty and unhygienic train toilets with IoT, new chemicals, and standardised watering systems. The eco-friendly bio-toilets use bio-digester technology to reduce human waste to biogas and water through bacterial degradation. This technology eliminates direct discharge of human waste onto tracks and platforms, preventing manual scavenging and keeping the railway environment clean. The implementation of bio-toilets represents a significant step towards sustainable waste management, enhancing passenger experience and maintaining hygiene standards across the railway network.
- LHB Coaches: The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai is developing standard gauge Vande Bharat trains for future exports, emphasizing Indian Railways’ expansion into international markets. These trains offer modern travel experiences, with a focus on global standards. The Railway Minister has announced the upcoming forged wheels factory near Chennai to support this initiative. The development of standard gauge rakes for export purposes enhances Indian Railways’ global presence, showcasing its commitment to innovation and quality in rail transportation.
- Automatic Block Signalling System: To address rising passenger and freight traffic, South Western Railways in Bengaluru implements an Automatic Signalling System. This advanced system enhances rail infrastructure, ensuring efficient train operations and reducing delays. By facilitating the smooth clearance of trains from stations, the system enhances the utilisation of fixed assets like platforms. In sections where line capacity exceeds 100%, automatic signalling allows for the operation of more coaching and freight trains, improving overall efficiency and reliability of the railway network.
- Ultrasonic Flaw Detection: Eastern Railway’s Howrah Division introduces the Ultrasonic Flaw Detection Machine (USFD), a milestone in railway safety and reliability. The USFD uses advanced ultrasonic technology for high-precision scanning, detecting flaws in rails to enable early maintenance. This real-time data analysis tool provides critical insights into track conditions, ensuring proactive safety measures. The adoption of USFD reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain the highest standards of rail infrastructure and safety
- GPS Train Tracking System: Indian Railways implements the Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS) in partnership with ISRO to track trains. The GPS-based RTIS device automatically acquires train movement times at stations, providing real-time updates on arrival, departure, and run-through times. Installed in 6,000 trains across 50 loco sheds, this technology enhances operational efficiency. The system enables midsection updates every 30 seconds, ensuring accurate speed and location tracking while reducing the need for manual intervention. Developed by RDSO and Indian vendors, RTIS enhances safety and reliability in train operations.
- Electrification and Renewable Energy: Railways is dedicated to achieving 100% electrification of broad-gauge lines by 2024, which will greatly cut carbon emissions. Additionally, the railways are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power plants on railway land, with a goal of installing 30 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2029-30. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of sustainable and eco-friendly operations, positioning Indian Railways as a leader in green transportation and contributing to national energy security.
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