New Delhi, July 15, 2024 — Indian Railways has announced the award of 23 innovation projects valued at INR 43.87 crore to startups, aimed at enhancing services across its network. This initiative is part of the ‘Startups for Railways’ programme launched by the Ministry of Railways to leverage innovation from Indian startups, MSMEs, and other entities.
According to ANI reports, the Railways received a total of 423 proposals in response to 28 problem statements posted on its innovation portal. These proposals sought solutions to various challenges within the railway sector, reflecting a robust engagement from the startup ecosystem.
As part of the current awards, Indian Railways has allocated INR 10.52 crore in grants to eligible startups involved in implementing innovative solutions. The projects cover a wide range of problem statements, including designing improved elastomeric pads for heavy freight wagons, developing lightweight wagons for specific cargo like salt transportation, and implementing advanced rail stress monitoring systems.
Other awarded projects focus on enhancing track inspection technologies for accurate assessments, improving broken rail systems, and innovating track cleaning machines to maintain operational efficiency.
Additionally, the projects include developing sensor-based load counting devices with audio-visual alarms for power cars, simplifying OHE (Overhead Equipment) cantilever design, creating quick point locking clamps/systems, and implementing sensor-based fire/smoke detection systems with wireless networking in railway coaches.
The ‘Startups for Railways’ programme was initiated on June 13, 2022, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and safety across the Indian Railways network. The programme has garnered significant interest, with 1,942 entities registered on the Indian Railways Innovation Portal, demonstrating widespread participation from various sectors in driving innovation within the railway ecosystem.
In August 2022, the initiative received 297 proposals addressing 11 specific problem statements. The highest number of proposals, 43, focused on developing a broken rail detection system, followed by 42 proposals for an online condition monitoring system for traction motors and 40 proposals for automating track inspection activities.
The Indian Railways continues to actively collaborate with startups and innovative entities to modernize and improve railway services, contributing to the overall development of India’s transportation infrastructure.
