NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Taking another step forward to strengthen freight transportation, a review meeting chaired by Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw was held where discussions about improving rail based freight movement for various commodities were carried out. It was also decided that comprehensive reforms will be undertaken in the existing wagon design policy, the new policy is set to be finalized within 15 days.
During the meeting, industry representatives suggested that the customisation of wagon designs according to different transportation requirements for various commodities could help railways transport freight on a larger scale. Indian Railways is taking part in extensive consultations with industry experts, trade bodies, and major freight customers associated with commodities that have significant potential for rail transportation.
The Union Railway Minister said that strict standards for design approval and prototype development will ensure the production of the highest quality wagons in India. Major reforms in the design policy will also be introduced, under which industries will be able to modify the wagon designs according to their specific requirements, such as, steel coils require special binding arrangements and dedicated loading and unloading systems for transportation, other commodities have their own transportation requirements, in this situation industries will be allowed to propose changes in the wagon designs as per their necessities. RDSO and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) will be overseeing safety compliance and technical standards.
The success of recently developed specialized wagons for commodities such as cement and salt was also highlighted in the meeting demonstrating the significance of modifying wagons according to industries’ operational needs.
This proposed new wagon policy will play a significant role in enhancing and strengthening rail freight transport and reduce India’s dependency on imported diesel, lower logistics costs, reduce carbon emissions, and make essential goods more affordable for citizens.
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