{"id":103159,"date":"2026-02-26T09:15:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:15:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tech.einnews.com\/article\/895762607"},"modified":"2026-02-26T09:15:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:15:37","slug":"railways-to-underwrite-half-of-startup-rd-costs-in-new-tech-push","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/26\/railways-to-underwrite-half-of-startup-rd-costs-in-new-tech-push\/","title":{"rendered":"Railways to underwrite half of startup R&D costs in new tech push"},"content":{"rendered":"
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New Delhi: India is opening its massive railway network to the country\u2019s startup ecosystem, offering to fund up to half of the development costs for new technologies in a bid to modernize the world\u2019s most populous nation\u2019s primary transport system.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Indian Railways on Thursday unveiled the third and fourth sets of measures under the government\u2019s \u201852 reforms in 52 weeks\u2019 programme, launching a new Rail Tech Policy to promote innovation and announcing complete digitization of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) to speed up case disposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The latest measures are part of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as a \u2018Reforms Express\u2019 aimed at structural transformation of the national transporter this year.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Announcing the reforms, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Rail Tech Policy seeks to build a robust technology ecosystem for the railways by encouraging startups, innovators, industry and academic institutions to develop solutions across safety, security, asset maintenance and grievance redressal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Under the policy, the <\/span>railways<\/a> will fund up to 50% of the project costs proposed by startups. If a project proves successful, the national transporter will place orders for a substantial period to enable scaling up of the technology, Vaishnaw said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The policy also proposes a simplified process for selecting innovators and creating a dedicated Rail Tech Portal to anchor innovation efforts. Innovation challenges can be initiated either by innovators or by departmental users within the railways, creating a two-way channel for problem-solving.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThe objective is to create a strong <\/span>startup<\/a> ecosystem aligned with the operational needs of the railways,\u201d Vaishnaw said, adding that the initiative would help accelerate adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence-based applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In parallel, the railways launched the electronic Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT) programme, aimed at fully digitizing the tribunal’s operations within 12 months. The reform is intended to fast-track settlements, reduce pendency and improve transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Digitizing justice<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The RCT handles compensation claims arising from railway accidents, untoward incidents, and other passenger-related grievances. According to the minister, the number of pending cases has already declined from about 34,000 a few years ago to around 9,500, reflecting a 60-70% reduction in pendency.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The e-RCT will connect all 23 benches of the tribunal digitally across the country and enable litigants to file cases electronically from anywhere, with round-the-clock access.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The digital platform will have three modules. The first is an e-filing system that will allow 24\/7 online submission of claims. The second is a Case Information System (CIS), which will serve as a centralized digital database tracking a case from filing to final judgment, including hearings, evidence submissions and adjournments. The third is a Document Management System (DMS), a central repository of all case-related documents, orders and judgments.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Officials said the system will provide automatic alerts and notifications to users, enable real-time case monitoring and introduce automated document handling. <\/span>Artificial intelligence<\/a> tools will be used to assist in case processing and generate insights for benches, with the aim of speeding up resolution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Vaishnaw described the e-RCT as a citizen-centric reform designed to modernize the tribunal\u2019s functioning and improve accessibility for claimants, particularly those located far from tribunal benches.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cIf the model is successful, it can be replicated by other tribunals, including the Central Administrative Tribunal,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The third and fourth rounds of reforms follow two earlier measures announced under the programme\u2014a long-term, end-to-end cleaning initiative across the rail network and a revamp of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to improve freight handling efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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With the latest announcements, the railways is attempting to combine operational reforms with technology-led interventions, even as it pushes for faster project execution and improved passenger services as part of its broader modernization agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/p>\n