Conference on wagon development

S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs03

Union Ministry of Railways organised the third edition of conference on wagon development for new commodities. The objective of the conference was to bring out innovative solutions for transportation challenges in automobile, steel, cement, food-grain and other special commodities segments and to chart out a roadmap to exploit the market potential in freight segment for the Indian Railways.

Member (Rolling Stock) of Railway Board Rajesh Agrawal said the aim is to achieve 45 percent of freight movement in the country through railways.

Once the dedicated freight corridors become a reality, there would be substantial increase in the speed of freight movement by the Railways. He complimented Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) for fast implementation of new designs of freight wagons.

Based on the discussion with various stake holders in the last conference, five designs were identified for wagon development. With a specific timeline and focused approach, the designing time for the wagons has reduced from one and half year to six months.

Other Members of Railway Board, senior officials from Railways, RDSO and industry representatives were present.