Indian Railways has been continuously working towards the modernisation and upgradation of rolling stock. Production has increased in line with the vision of Make in India, and the segment has seen the introduction of new and modern trains, including the Vande Bharat and the Vistadome coaches. There has also been a significant focus on the adoption of advanced technologies and digital solutions. These steady and continued developments have led to an enhanced safety and passenger experience on IR trains.
Technology and digital initiatives
The safety of rail operations and the prevention of accidents are key focus areas. An indigenously developed technology called KAVACH was launched with the aim of reducing train accidents through direct loco-to-loco communication. Its notable features include the ability to aid trains during dense fog and auto-whistling for level crossings. Train information, including the location and direction, is generated through radio frequency identification tags on the tracks, and data is transmitted to the loco KAVACH in the train engine.
Smart coaches are also one of the key developments, which feature modern amenities such as smart public address and passenger information systems, smart heating, and ventilation and air conditioning systems. In addition to improving passenger experience, they are expected to enhance the safety and maintenance of operations. The rolling stock has also benefited from the implementation of internet of things and monitoring systems. Real-time data on various aspects are collected, enabling monitoring and predictive maintenance. This has led to improved asset monitoring and maintenance, optimisation of energy usage, and efficient traffic management.
The real-time train information system (RTIS) was developed by IR in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation. The exact location of the train is obtained through GPS sensors on the locomotives. As of December 2023, around 8,700 locomotives have been equipped with the RTIS facility. Train data, including arrival and departure times at stations, as well as run-through, location and speed information, can be obtained through the RTIS installed on locomotives and trains.
Another notable digital development in recent years has been the implementation of the online monitoring of rolling stock systems. The automated system aids in the detection of faults or defects in the rolling stock. It consists of an acoustic bearing detector or a rail bearing acoustic monitor and a wheel impact load detector or a wheel condition monitor. Further, smart yards also aid in the predictive maintenance of yards by predicting issues such as defective bearings and hanging or loose parts.
Further, as of December 2023, as part of the integrated passenger information system, digital display boards have been fitted on more than 12,000 train coaches. These boards provide passengers with audio and visual information about the destination, upcoming stations, safety messages, etc.
Modernisation and upgradation
The use of digital solutions and modern technologies has led to the modernisation and upgradation of the rolling stock. Further, these initiatives have also been incorporated into new trains. The launch of new trains such as the notable Vande Bharat and the Amrit Bharat is a significant development towards further modernising rolling stock, which is equipped with various modern amenities and facilities.
The Vande Bharat trains were launched in 2019. These AC chair car trains are equipped with various features, including automatic sliding doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, zero discharge vacuum bio-toilets and CCTV cameras. As of January 31, 2024, there are 82 Vande Bharat train services in operation. IR is currently gearing up for the launch of the sleeper Vande Bharat trains by March 2024. The sleeper coaches would feature both AC and non-AC facilities.
IR also witnessed the roll-out of the Vistadome coaches. These coaches have wider body side windows and transparent roof sections that give passengers a panoramic view. Other amenities offered on these trains include reclining seats with 180-degree rotation, automatic sliding doors, electrically controlled opalescence glass windows on the roof, and fibre reinforced plastic modular toilets with pressurised flushing systems and biotanks.
IR also converted some coaches of the Rajdhani Express to the ultra-modern Tejas sleeper-type trains on the Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) platform. These trains are also equipped with significant modern and upgraded features such as passenger announcement and passenger information systems, automatic entrance doors, fire and smoke detection systems, and improved lavatories with vacuum-assisted flushing bio-toilets and enhanced toilet fittings.
Additionally, the introduction of a new push-pull train with LHB coaches is under way, with production in full swing. These trains are being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai with a focus on delivering an experience similar to the Vande Bharat Express trains in the non-AC segment.
The Amrit Bharat push-pull train is claimed to increase train speeds and enhance passenger comfort significantly. It was designed targeting the common man, while also incorporating features from the Vande Bharat trains. These trains prioritise safety and efficiency, using a semi-permanent coupler to reduce jerks caused during the start and stop of the train. Further, the space between two coaches is now fully covered, aiming to minimise air pressure. Other features include water-saving toilets and charging point spaces. They are manufactured at the ICF in Chennai and have a maximum speed of 130 km per hour. Two Amrit Bharat trains have been introduced, connecting the Darbhanga-Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Terminal (Amrit Bharat Express) and Malda Town Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru) (Amrit Bharat Express), with approval granted to launch an additional 50 trains.
Recent developments and plans
As of December 2023, IR has reportedly spent around 70 per cent of the capital budget for 2023-24. With the aim to cater to the rising demand for rail travel, it has also formulated a plan for the purchase of trains worth Rs 1 trillion over the next few years. Approximately 7,000-8,000 new train sets will be needed to meet the objective of replacing the ageing rolling stock. Tenders are expected to be issued in the next four to five years for the procurement of trains worth Rs 1 trillion, which will be honoured over the next 15 years. Another significant development is the focus on the modernisation of trains in the budget. As per the interim budget 2024-25, 40,000 normal bogies are to be converted into the standard Vande Bharat bogies.
India is also likely to witness the roll-out of tilting trains, a technology that will enable trains to manoeuvre curves at high speeds. It is anticipated that approximately 100 Vande Bharat trains will be equipped with this technology. Further, IR is also planning to run 35 hydrogen trains under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative. It aims to incorporate hydrogen fuel cells to act as an alternative to diesel engines. The first of these trains is expected to run on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railways.
Conclusion
IR has witnessed an increase in the production of rolling stock over the years. The segment is poised to witness a further boost with the government’s increased focus on indigenous production. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning can significantly increase the overall efficiency of IR. Further, insights derived from data analytics will aid in operations, including asset managements, and improve the efficiency of train schedules. Looking ahead, the adoption of these technologies and the future plans for rolling stock indicate an overall positive outlook.