RailTech Policy and e-RCT Digitisation Announced

In a major step towards technology-driven governance, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the RailTech Policy and the complete digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT). These form Reform Number Three and Reform Number Four under Indian Railways’ “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative, aimed at modernising operations and enhancing citizen services.

RailTech Policy to Drive Innovation

The RailTech Policy seeks to systematically induct advanced technologies into Indian Railways by engaging startups, innovators, industry and research institutions. A dedicated RailTech Portal will enable a simplified, single-stage submission process for innovation challenges.

The policy significantly enhances financial support, increasing scale-up grants more than threefold and doubling the maximum grant for prototype development and trials. Successful innovations will receive long-term orders to facilitate large-scale implementation.

Key focus areas include AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection Systems, AI-enabled fire detection in coaches, drone-based broken rail detection, rail stress monitoring, sensor-based load calculation devices, solar panels on coaches, AI-driven coach cleaning monitoring, fog obstruction detection, and digital pension and dispute resolution systems.

Funding and Structured Adoption Model

Under the new framework, Railways may fund up to 50 per cent of development costs for viable technological solutions. Once proven effective through trials, projects will be adopted at scale.

The policy draws inspiration from models such as the iDEX initiative in defence and startup frameworks of the Ministry of Electronics & IT. It aims to replace rigid vendor-based procurement with an innovation-driven, trial-and-adoption ecosystem.

Complete Digitisation of Railway Claims Tribunal

Reform Number Four introduces the e-RCT system, enabling full digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal. With 23 benches across 21 cities, claim filing often involved jurisdictional confusion and physical visits.

The new system allows 24×7 online filing from anywhere in the country. It integrates e-filing, a centralised Case Information System and a Document Management System, enabling paperless functioning, hybrid hearings, digital evidence recording and online access to orders and judgments.

Important Facts for Exams

• Railway Claims Tribunal was constituted under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987.
• RCT adjudicates compensation claims for railway accidents and goods-related disputes.
• iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) promotes defence sector innovation.
• Digital tribunals align with e-governance and ease of justice delivery reforms.

Citizen-Centric and Transparent Justice Delivery

The e-RCT system aims to reduce procedural delays, cut travel costs and ensure real-time case tracking. Automated workflows, digital notifications and secure record management are expected to improve efficiency and transparency.

If successful, similar digital transformation models may be extended to other tribunals. Together, the RailTech Policy and e-RCT reform represent a significant shift towards innovation-led railway modernisation and accessible, technology-enabled justice delivery.