Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday introduced the RailTech Policy along with a plan for the full digitization of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT). These initiatives are part of the “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” program aimed at modernizing the Indian Railways. The primary focus of the RailTech Policy is to foster collaboration with innovators, startups, and institutions to enhance technological advancement within the railway sector.
The newly established RailTech Portal is designed to streamline the engagement between innovators and railway authorities. It simplifies the proposal submission process, allowing both innovators and departmental users to initiate challenges or submit detailed proposals in a single stage. Key features of the policy include a user-friendly interface and increased funding support, tripling the scale-up grant while doubling the maximum grant available for prototype development and testing.
Areas of innovation specified in the policy encompass artificial intelligence (AI) applications such as an Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS), fire detection systems in coaches, drone technology for broken rail detection, and solar panel installations on railway coaches. The RailTech Policy aims to establish a systematic approach for incorporating technology into railway operations and focuses on enabling easy access for startups and innovators to engage with the railway sector.
Objectives of the RailTech Policy
Vaishnaw highlighted that the RailTech Policy was crafted by examining successful initiatives in other sectors, such as the iDEX initiative in defense and various frameworks within the Ministry of Electronics & IT. The intent is to mitigate procedural hurdles and build a system that promotes innovation and transparency. The Minister pointed out that successful models in technology can provide a blueprint for future advancements in other sectors as well.
The funding structure outlined by Vaishnaw states that if an innovator presents a valuable technological solution, for instance, AI-driven systems for detecting elephants near tracks, the Railways will contribute up to 50 percent of the required development costs. Once the technology is validated, long-term orders will be placed to allow for scaling the solutions. This strategy emphasizes not just experimentation but also large-scale implementation of functional innovations.
Introduction of e-RCT System
Under the fourth reform, the digitization and AI-facilitated transformation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) was announced. The e-RCT system will facilitate complete computerization of the RCT’s processes, making claims filing, handling, and adjudication more efficient, transparent, and accessible anywhere across the nation.
Vaishnaw addressed the challenges associated with filing claims, especially for travelers who might face jurisdictional dilemmas during incidents. With the new system, passengers will be able to file claims electronically from any location, thus eliminating previous procedural complications. The initiative aims for complete digital implementation of all 23 RCT benches within the next year.
The Railway Claims Tribunal, established under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act of 1987, handles claims related to compensation for injuries or fatalities due to railway accidents, loss of goods, and fare refunds. The e-RCT system will link all tribunal benches digitally, promoting a paperless operation and ensuring timely processing and transparent access to case documents for claimants.
Components of the e-RCT System
The e-RCT system consists of three critical components: the E-Filing system for 24/7 online claim submissions, the Case Information System (CIS) for centralized case management, and the Document Management System (DMS) for digital storage of all legal documents. This overhaul will significantly enhance the efficiency of the Railway Claims Tribunal.
Previously, claimants had to visit tribunal offices in person to file cases and monitor progress. The introduction of the e-RCT System aims to resolve these issues by allowing remote access, thereby increasing convenience and improving overall access to justice within the railway sector.