How Indian Railways is transforming itself to counter future commute challenges

Indian Railways has seen a history of inaction and structural decay despite being an organisation that employs over a million people. It manages the fourth-largest railway system in size and caters to the commuting needs of millions of citizens, but it is still known for delayed arrivals, crowded trains, obsolete designs and poor comfort. India’s railway system has been in a fragile state in the last two decades, especially considering the future needs of a constantly growing population. However, Indian Railways has gone into an overdrive of modernising itself to ensure that India’s rail network shapes its transport and connectivity rather than being its burden. Here are some ways in which Indian Railways is reshaping itself for the commuting challenges of the future.  

Indigenously developed high-speed trains

Speed has been a major issue for Indian Railways as its old locomotive trains are unable to reach high speeds, which ultimately causes delays. India’s ambitions of introducing bullet trains into its railway system still remain pending, but it has not stopped the railway ministry from building its own high-speed train. Train 18, or Vande Bharat Express, is a fruit of a public-private joint partnership that can reach the speed of 180 KMPH. Skilled professionals are also working on advanced versions of this train that will likely have increased speed. The Railway Ministry has also announced ‘Vande Metro’, which will be the country’s first inter-city high-speed train.  

Revamping of railway stations  

Old buildings and poor hygiene had become a common sight in India’s railway stations. It was a major factor that used to dissuade people from travelling in trains. But the railways have been allotted a massive budget to ensure that they have modern designs and facilities for the comfort of passengers. Many of these railway stations will also have separate spacious areas for cafeterias and also rooms for overnight accommodation.  

Increasing tracks for freight corridors  

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed that one of the core reasons why passenger trains get delayed is because of a lack of freight corridors. If the freight trains are carrying essential goods that need urgent transportation, then passenger trains get halted for long periods. Hence, more tracks are being added to our rail network that is dedicated only to freight trains.  

Using modern technology to increase safety and provide luxury to passengers  

Indian Railways have understood the need to be technology driven. Vande Bharat trains and its new versions will have futuristic train coaches that contain rotational seats, bio-vacuum toilets and also multi-media options for entertainment purposes, to name just a few. Indian railway tracks will also be heavily equipped with ‘Kavach’ security system that uses ultra-high radio frequencies to detect other trains from a major distance to send alerts to the driver or even control brakes to avoid a collision.