Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Directs Officials to Overhaul Track Maintenance Practices

Indian Railways is revamping track maintenance with modern technology and standardised components. In a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan today, key reform decisions were directed to overhaul current methods of track laying, assembly, and health monitoring.

The following reform measures were directed by the Union Minister:

– AI-based Track Monitoring: A smartphone-enabled, AI-based application is being developed for turnout readings and real-time track health monitoring.

– Safety Prioritised: Timetables must not be compressed to gain operational speed at the cost of safety; track safety and maintenance remain the highest priority

– Sufficient Maintenance Blocks: Sufficient blocks to ensure better maintenance of assets and improve operational performance.

– Bharat Fasteners: Use of indigenous fasteners to boost track performance and promote self-reliance.

The Union Minister impressed upon the Railway Board and senior officials that maintenance must receive the time and attention it deserves.

Previous reforms have included Reforms for Better On-Board Services, expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals with better facilities to meet freight targets, the RailTech Policy and Portal, and digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT) for faster, paperless claims disposal.