Indian Railways Reform Express: Technology, skilled staff and improved operations in spotlight

Indian Railways has planned 52 major reforms to improve passenger experience. The current implementation of these reforms affects 80 trains, which will receive improved coach cleanliness.

The project aims to provide travellers with a hygienic and secure environment for a comfortable travel experience.

All coaches, including General Coaches, will have toilets and basins with regular cleaning and garbage collection without delays.

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Reform 1: Reforms for better on-board services

The reform establishes a system that requires professional service personnel to work together while handling many responsibilities.

The staff will be available throughout the time for the passengers travelling to assist them whenever needed. Indian Railways will use technology to track service operations and collect feedback, which will help them assess their performance records.

The reform includes these key elements:

• Trained staff members manage cleaning tasks, including linen management and minor repair work.
• The train's safety equipment will undergo inspection regularly, which will help in the maintenance of official records.
• Staff can work according to the needs of their operation of each train and timings.
• The railways will use top service providers who have established records of success to deliver premium quality service.
• The implementation process will occur through three separate phases, which will include ongoing assessments to achieve improvement throughout the entire period.

The reform will achieve its objectives through trained staff members and advanced modern technology, which will work together with streamlined operations to create a safe, hygienic and comfortable train travel experience for passengers.

Reform 2: Rail-based Logistics – Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCT)

The Indian Railways is changing freight transportation through its implementation of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCT) Policy 2022, marking the first significant change in rail-based freight operations.

The project aims to reduce cargo processing times while increasing efficiency and decreasing expenses, and it seeks to attract both private and public entities to utilise railway systems.

The next three years will see the establishment of 124 multi-modal cargo terminals, which will possess the ability to process 200 million tonnes of cargo annually and produce approximately Rs. 20,000 crore in revenue.

Key features of the policy include:

• The procedure for GCT establishment requires a defined timeline, which leads to faster completion and easier execution.
• Common User Facilities (CUF): The railway system provides multiple users with access to warehouses, Y-connections and Rail-over-Rail links and other facilities.
• The railway system allows for the development of GCTs and warehouses, grinding units, processing centers and aggregation centres on spare land and unused good sheds.
• The private sidings and existing freight terminals can transition to the new GCT system with complete accessibility.
• The terminals maintain standard operation through their use of predetermined designs, which optimise their performance.
• The system uses a basic structure that empowers all DRM officials with decision-making authority to resolve conflicts.
• Operators benefit from GCT and cargo facility lease agreements, which extend for 50 years to provide complete operational predictability.

The GCT reform enhances rail-based freight systems by eliminating operational delays and creating advanced freight transportation facilities throughout India.