Increased Traffic and Reduced Maintenance Time

Indian Railways, which serves millions of passengers daily, including a significant number from lower-income groups, is taking steps to improve safety and maintenance practices. The railway network has been facing challenges due to the increasing number of trains, which has led to more frequent use of tracks. As a result, there is less time available for regular track maintenance.

New Safety Plan and Simulator Training for Drivers

To address these issues, Indian Railways has developed a comprehensive safety plan. A key part of this plan is the use of simulators to train loco pilots (train drivers). Simulators allow drivers to practice and improve their skills in a controlled, virtual environment, which helps to reduce the chances of human error in real-world train operations. Additionally, Indian Railways is exploring the option of outsourcing some of the maintenance tasks, particularly those related to critical machinery used for track renewal. These machines are essential for keeping the railway tracks in good condition, but due to a shortage of staff, they have not been used to their full capacity.

Addressing Manpower Shortages and Outsourcing Maintenance

The Railway Board, which oversees the entire railway network, has instructed all zonal railways (regional divisions of Indian Railways) to consider outsourcing the maintenance of these important machines. The reason for this move is the lack of sufficient manpower in the railway workforce, either due to unfilled job vacancies or a shortage of positions in general. As a result, the machines that are needed for track renewal and repair are often left underused or idle.

Introducing Integrated Track Machines
One of the key technologies being introduced is the integrated track machine. This machine is capable of performing multiple functions, such as tamping (compacting the track bed) and stabilizing the tracks, all in one operation. The use of such machines is expected to speed up the maintenance process, especially as the time available for repairs has been reduced due to the high utilization of existing tracks.

Modernization and Procurement of Advanced Machinery

In addition to outsourcing and upgrading track machines, Indian Railways is also focusing on modernizing its overall fleet of machinery. The goal is to standardize the equipment used across the entire railway network, ensuring that all regions have access to the latest technology for track maintenance and safety. To achieve this, Indian Railways has placed orders for advanced machinery, including loco simulators for driver training and upgraded track maintenance machines.

Large-Scale Contracts and Safety Investments

As part of this modernization drive, contracts worth Rs 212.25 crore have been awarded to companies from Spain, Belgium, Poland, and India for the procurement of 17 loco simulators. These simulators will help train drivers more effectively and improve overall safety.