Indian Railways has awarded INR 43.87 crore to startups for 23 innovative projects designed to enhance their services. These projects aim to tackle issues like elastomeric pad design, lightweight wagons, track inspection technology, and rail stress monitoring.
According to a news source, the Railways received 423 ideas from companies in response to 28 problem statements posted on their innovation portal. Of these, they have provided around INR 10.52 crore in funding to support the selected firms working on these ongoing projects.
Additionally, the projects will simplify the design of overhead electrical cantilevers, develop quick-locking clamps, and install wireless sensor-based fire and smoke detection systems in Indian Railways coaches. They will also create load-counting devices with audio-visual alerts for power vehicles.
The ‘Startups for Railways’ program was launched on June 13, 2022, that aims to boost the efficiency and safety of the railway network by leveraging the skills of Indian startups, small businesses, innovators, research companies, NGOs, and entrepreneurs.
The projects also focus on installing flexible solar panels on the roofs of LHB coaches, developing warning systems for train drivers, and improving guard systems in the program’s second phase.
Safeguarding Railways: Indian Railways Invites Innovations to Prevent Human Incidents and Improve Safety.
In addition to current collaborations, 59 innovators are being evaluated for solutions to six key issues. These challenges include developing non-invasive methods to detect drugs and explosives in delivery vans and goods trains, as well as preventing accidents involving trains and people. Preventing human accidents on railways is crucial due to issues like trespassing, safety violations, and unauthorized diversions. To address these concerns, the rail company has invited tech firms to propose solutions that can detect nearby individuals and respond appropriately. After an initial screening, eight companies have been shortlisted, and the railways are now in the process of finalizing their selections.
Startups for Railways
The “Startups for Railways” initiative adopts a decentralized approach, empowering divisional levels to accelerate product development and minimize delays. To foster partnerships and drive technological advancement, the Ministry has created the Indian Railway Innovation Portal, a transparent and accessible platform aimed at revolutionizing the future of Indian Railways.
Indian Railways (IR) operates one of the largest railway networks globally, spanning about 123,542 km of tracks and 7,300 stations, with nearly 1.2 million employees. As the largest railway network in Asia and the fourth largest worldwide, IR is ready to adopt advanced technology and eco-friendly practices. In 2023, an important year for Indian Railways, the focus was on completing India’s first hydrogen train, built entirely in the country, and introducing the new high-speed Vande Bharat Express.
