Under the proposed policy, industries will have the flexibility to modify wagon designs according to their specific needs. However, the assurance of wagon safety will remain under the supervision of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).
Officials believe these reforms will connect numerous new industries with Indian Railways, advancing the goal of green railways and logistics. Rail transport currently operates with an environmental advantage, being 90 percent more eco-friendly than road transport.
The decision to revise the policy comes after extensive discussions between Indian Railways, diverse industries, trade bodies, and key freight customers. Industry representatives highlighted that customized wagon designs, tailored to the handling, loading, unloading, and transportation requirements of different commodities, could significantly expand rail transport adoption.
The recent success of specialized wagons designed for commodities such as cement and salt exemplifies the benefits of this approach. These commodity-specific wagons have enhanced efficiency in loading, unloading, and transportation processes, increasing the appeal of rail logistics.
In addition to introducing new wagon designs, Indian Railways is also considering allowing maintenance of privately owned wagons by non-railway entities. This change could further streamline operations and support industry needs.
