What Is The Indian Railways Modernisation Programme
The government‘s economic basis for modernisation is that investing in railroads will significantly affect the economy. The Modi government has never hidden its interest in ambitious plans for the modernisation of Indian Railways (IR), whether it be the high-profile but postponed bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the opening of the hydrogen-powered Vande Metro, or the initiation of cutting-edge, semi-high-speed, luxury trains like the Vande Bharat Express, Tejas Express, and Humsafar Express that can travel at 160 kilometres per hour. The big plans cover a wide spectrum of work, from 100% electrification and improved safety to renovating 200 train stations and building 100,000 km of new rail track over the next 20 years.
Rail Modernization and Technology Development Initiatives
Several initiatives are being undertaken in this regard, according to the Railways, as part of a continual process of technology development for the modernisation of the national transporter.
Modernisation in Railway Tracks
The Railways have implemented mechanised track maintenance on the track segment, which is essential for train operations, utilising cutting-edge equipment like high-output tamping and stabilising machines.
Compared to manual rail maintenance, the machines have allowed the Railways to boost track maintenance output significantly. Utilising the technologically advanced, quicker, and more dependable track recording car has also modernised the inspection of tracks. It also has a feature that can record track elements on video.
Strengthening Bridges
The Bridge Management System (BMS), a web-based information technology (IT) software, was created by the Railways to support the reinforcement of bridges. It enables 24/7 provision of information, including bridge drawings or design features, inspection details, images, and videos, for a purposeful evaluation and analysis of rapid decline and capacity to handle increased loads.
Modern and cutting-edge technology, such as 3D scanning of riverbeds and continuous water level measurement and monitoring systems, has been adopted to improve bridge inspection methods.
Innovative Technology in EMU/MEMU
A mechanism of converting end-on-generation trains into head-on-generation trains has been implemented for the EMU/MEMU to lessen noise and air pollution in stations and inside trains.
In addition, EMU/MEMUs, the Kolkata Metro, and Vande Bharat trains have all adopted three-phase technology based on IGBTs. The Vande Bharat Express has contemporary technologies like roller blinds, a GPS-based traveller information system, automatic doors with folding steps, onboard Wi-Fi, and infotainment.
New Features in Locomotives
The Indian Railways has decided only to produce new-generation, powerful, energy-efficient three-phase electric locomotives. Since 2020, it has debuted high-horsepower 12,000-HP freight locomotives with cutting-edge technologies.
There is also a new reservation status known as PNR Status, through which passengers can check the status of booked train tickets.
Railway Stations Renovation
The Railways have implemented a plan for “substantial upgradation” of railway stations for station development. The created stations will include modern construction techniques like intelligent building, green building, adequate water and energy management, and superior waste management.
