As we strive towards a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, it has become increasingly evident that the modernization of Indian Railways is crucial for the country's growth. The need for efficient freight transportation, bursting capacity seams, and technological advancements has never been more pressing. With a focus on dedicated freight corridors, economic corridors, and high traffic density corridors, we can increase the average speed of trains and reduce travel time. For instance, the introduction of long-haul freight trains and high-capacity wagons can transport larger volumes of goods more efficiently, optimizing loading capacity and reducing the number of trips required.

Furthermore, the modernization of rolling stock, including retrofitting of locos, wagons, and passenger coaches, as well as the introduction of new design rolling stock, will play a vital role in achieving our goals. The use of AI and Big Data Analytics can predict when maintenance is needed on tracks and rolling stock, reducing the risk of breakdowns and improving reliability of freight services. Additionally, the exploration of alternate financing options, such as institutional financing, leasing, and EBR-IF models, will be essential in raising funds for modernization. According to the plans, the new corridors will comprise over 400 smaller projects and add approximately 40,000 km of new tracks over 6-8 years, which will decongest high-density rail routes and facilitate modal shift from road to rail and to coastal shipping, thereby reducing carbon footprint of logistics.

The indigenization of railway technology, advanced traffic management and control systems, and technology for freight transport services will be critical in achieving world standards. With the wait time for freight trains potentially ranging from 2-6 hours, leading to increased transit time, it is imperative that we prioritize the operationalization of freight corridors and maintain consistency with regard to arrival times. Informing customers about approximate transit time and maintaining consistency with regard to arrival time may enable customers to plan onwards dispatch of freight effectively. The establishment of a railway technology-focused start-up incubator/accelerator can also be explored, where every alternate year, a cohort of 2-5 start-ups may be selected, groomed, and guided by senior railway/RDSO officials, resulting in 2-3 practical innovations over a period of few years.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the safety and security of our railways, with a focus on eliminating unmanned level crossings, implementing automatic block signaling, and heading towards zero accidents. The path to modernization will not be easy, but with the right policies, investments, and collaborations, we can create a railway system that is efficient, effective, and world-class. This will not only contribute to the growth of our economy but also provide a better quality of life for our citizens.