New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the Rail Tech Policy and the full digitization of the Railway Claims Tribunal as part of the third and fourth reforms under the ambitious "52 Reforms in 52 Weeks" initiative by Indian Railways.

The Rail Tech Policy is designed to foster collaboration with innovators, startups, and institutions to drive technological advancements within Indian Railways. This new policy streamlines the process for selecting innovators and establishes a dedicated Rail Tech Portal to facilitate innovation. It features a user-friendly interface, significantly increases the scale-up grant by over three times, and doubles the maximum grant available for prototype development and testing.

The minister emphasized that anyone with a robust technological concept should have the opportunity to engage with the Railways via the dedicated Rail Tech portal, which operates through a fully digital, end-to-end process. The goal is to move away from the previous rigid vendor selection system towards a more straightforward, innovation-centric framework that prioritizes the trial and implementation of new technologies.

Some of the key areas for innovation include AI-driven Elephant Intrusion Detection Systems (EIDS), AI-based fire detection systems in coaches, drone-assisted broken rail detection systems, rail stress monitoring systems, sensor-equipped load calculation devices on parcel vans (VPUs), solar panels installed on coaches, AI-based coach cleaning monitoring systems, fog obstruction detection systems, and AI-driven pension and dispute resolution frameworks.

Vaishnaw noted that the Rail Tech Policy has been crafted by analyzing successful models such as the iDEX initiative in defense, the startup frameworks under the Ministry of Electronics & IT, and innovation policies in the telecom sector.

Discussing the funding structure, he stated that when a startup or innovator presents a viable technological solution, such as AI-based camera systems for detecting elephants near railway tracks, the Railways will cover up to 50% of the necessary development funding. Following a successful project, significant long-term orders will be issued to enable large-scale implementation. The policy is structured not just for experimentation but for the successful innovations to be widely adopted.

He provided examples of potential applications for innovation, including AI-enabled CCTV systems for passenger safety, highlighting a recent incident in Kerala where CCTV footage played a crucial role in quickly apprehending suspects. He also stressed the importance of advanced track monitoring technologies that utilize radar, AI, infrared cameras, and ultrasonic technologies to detect deformities or flaws in tracks, preventing potential accidents.

Vaishnaw also mentioned the use of drone technology for identifying rail fractures, broken grills, and monitoring overhead equipment, including detecting overheating insulators through AI analytics. Additionally, technology solutions could resolve administrative issues, such as expediting the processing of pension documents for retired railway employees, ensuring timely pension disbursements.

In the fourth reform, he revealed the complete digitization and AI transformation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT). The E-RCT system will enable comprehensive computerization and digitization of the RCT, streamlining the filing, processing, and adjudication of claims, making the entire process faster, more transparent, and accessible from any location across the nation.

Vaishnaw pointed out that there are currently 23 RCT benches nationwide, and filing claims can pose challenges, particularly for passengers traveling across states during incidents. Determining the correct jurisdiction for claim filing is often a significant hurdle.

The reform aims to simplify the claim filing process, making it digital and accessible nationwide. Under the new system, affected passengers will be able to file claims electronically, regardless of their location, whether traveling or after reaching their destination. The entire process, from e-filing to case information systems, will be digitized and enhanced with AI capabilities. Vaishnaw indicated that all benches of the Railway Claims Tribunal will be fully digitized within the next 12 months as part of this initiative.

He also suggested that if this model proves effective, similar digital solutions might be applied to other tribunals, such as the Central Administrative Tribunal. The aim is to ensure faster processing, enhanced transparency, and a citizen-centric approach to justice delivery.

Previously, claimants and their advocates were required to physically visit tribunal offices to file cases, submit documents, and monitor case progress, which often involved travel, time, and procedural delays.