Why in News?
- The Ministry of Railways launched a Rail Tech Policy and the Rail Tech Portal to enable smoother start-up access and structured funding support.
- Announced reforms under the flagship “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative aim to accelerate innovation adoption and scale-up.
- The Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) is being digitised through e-RCT, enabling electronic filing and faster disposal of accident compensation claims.
Relevance
GS Paper III – Infrastructure & S&T
- AI integration in rail safety (EIDS, fire detection).
- Innovation funding model (50% support).
GS Paper II – Governance
- Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987.
- Digitisation and access to justice (Article 21, 39A).
Mains Practice Question (15 Marks)
- Digital transformation and AI integration in Indian Railways promise efficiency gains but raise governance challenges. Critically examine the reform trajectory under the Rail Tech Policy.
Static Background
Indian Railways: Institutional Context
- Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest rail networks, spanning ~68,000 km route length, carrying over 8 billion passengers annually (pre-pandemic levels).
- Operates under the Ministry of Railways, with safety governed by statutory and regulatory frameworks including the Railways Act, 1989.
- Innovation adoption historically slow due to procurement rigidity and bureaucratic compliance layers.
Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT)
- Established under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987.
- Adjudicates compensation claims for death, injury, and loss of goods in railway accidents.
- Previously required physical filing and in-person hearings, causing delays and access barriers.
Key Reform Components
1. Rail Tech Policy and Portal
- Designed to simplify start-up engagement and remove entry barriers for technology deployment in Railways.
- Enables systematic evaluation, pilot testing, and scaling of innovative solutions.
- Government to fund 50% of start-up solution development cost, reducing financial risk.
- Scale-up grant enhanced by over three times, with prototype funding cap doubled.
2. AI and Technology Integration Areas
Railways exploring:
- AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS) to prevent wildlife collisions.
- AI-based fire detection in coaches for passenger safety.
- Drone-based broken rail detection systems improving preventive maintenance.
- Rail-stress monitoring systems for structural resilience.
- Sensor-based load calculation devices on parcel vans.
- AI-based coach cleaning monitoring systems.
- Obstruction detection in foggy environments enhancing safety in northern corridors.
- Solar panels on coaches to improve energy efficiency.
- AI-based pension and dispute resolution systems for administrative efficiency.
3. e-Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT)
- Complete digitisation of claim filing, documentation, and case tracking.
- Allows litigants to file claims from any location, reducing travel costs and procedural friction.
- Accelerates adjudication process in compensation cases involving deaths and injuries.
Governance and Administrative Dimensions
Ease of Doing Innovation
- Rail Tech Policy aligns with Startup India (2016) and Digital India initiatives.
- Incorporates best practices from defence and telecom innovation procurement frameworks.
- Shift from closed procurement to open innovation ecosystem model.
Access to Justice
- e-RCT enhances compliance with Article 21 (Right to Life) by enabling faster compensation delivery.
- Supports Article 39A (Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid) by lowering procedural barriers.
Economic and Industrial Impact
- Encourages domestic innovation ecosystem in rail safety and smart mobility.
- Strengthens Make in India by localising rail-tech solutions.
- Enhances operational efficiency, potentially lowering accident-related economic losses.
- Promotes green transition via solar and energy optimisation systems.
Environmental and Sustainability Dimension
- AI-enabled elephant detection reduces human-wildlife conflict in forest corridors.
- Solar integration aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment.
- Predictive maintenance reduces derailments and associated environmental damage.
Challenges
- Procurement Integration Risk: Pilot-to-scale transition often delayed due to legacy tendering rules.
- Data Security and AI Governance: Increased digitisation raises cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
- Funding Adequacy: 50% cost-sharing may still be insufficient for capital-intensive deep-tech solutions.
- Digital Divide in e-RCT: Rural litigants may face barriers in digital filing despite reform intent.
- Inter-Departmental Coordination: Scaling AI systems requires synchronisation across zonal railways.
Way Forward
- Single Innovation Clearance Cell within Railways to fast-track pilot approvals within fixed timelines.
- Dedicated Rail Innovation Fund with predictable multi-year budget allocations.
- Cybersecurity Protocol Framework aligned with CERT-In guidelines for AI-enabled infrastructure.
- Hybrid Filing Model for e-RCT combining digital and assisted facilitation centres.
- Performance-Based Innovation Contracts linking payments to safety and efficiency metrics.
Prelims Notes
- Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 established RCT.
- Rail Tech Policy provides 50% funding support for start-up solutions.
- e-RCT allows complete digital filing and tracking of claims.
- Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS) uses AI for wildlife protection.
