Railways seeks innovative technologies through start-ups

Dimapur, June 15 (EMN): In line with the Indian Railways initiatives towards innovative solution to acquire operational efficiency and safety through start-ups and other entities, Anshul Gupta, General Manager (GM) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) informed that the policy aims to bring scale and efficiency in the field of operation, maintenance and infrastructure creation.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on June 15, Gupta said that through this platform, start-ups will get an opportunity to connect with railways.

Out of various problem statements received from different field offices/zones of railways, 11 problem statements like rail fracture, headway reduction etc. have been taken up initially for this programme, he added.

The GM urged start-ups to use this opportunity and assured them of support from Indian Railways in the form of 50 percent capital grant, assured market, scale and ecosystem.  Under the programme, an innovator can get a grant up to INR 1.5 crore on equal sharing basis with provision of milestone-wise payment.

Gupta further informed that the selection will be done through open, transparent and fair process, which will entail innovators to upload their concepts with necessary proof on a dedicated portal at the Indian Railway Innovation Portal (www.innovation.indianrailways.gov.in). The portal will start accepting ideas from 21st June, 2022, he added.

Rail network restoration in full swing

Replying to various queries about restoration works in Dima Hasao, the GM stated that restoration work in 46 out of 61 breaches has been completed and in 15 critical locations, work is in full swing.

He further stated that chances are there to resume train services upto New Haflong from Badarpur by June 20. The GM thanked Indian Air Force, railway employees, roadways service and private bus operators in rescuing the stranded passengers.

He also briefed the media about the status of the state capital connectivity projects and the international connectivity projects under NFR. The recently sanctioned final location survey for the Chandranathpur – Silchar new line project was also discussed by the general manager.

This project will provide an alternative route to the hill section and also act as a double line for connectivity to South Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura.