Shri Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO, Railway Board, visited the Corporate Office of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) at Sector-145, New Delhi, on Saturday. During the visit, he was apprised of various technical and safety aspects, including the Central Control System, railway tracks and operational arrangements. He also reviewed the computerised monitoring system for every freight train operating on DFCCIL tracks. Emphasising the need to reduce railway accidents, he directed that any deficiency should be identified at the initial stage and rectified immediately to prevent potential accidents.
On the occasion, Shri Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL; Shri Shobhit Bhatnagar, Director (OP&BD); Shri Anurag Sharma, Director (Infra); Shri Pawan Kumar Rai, Director (PP); and Shri Pramod Kumar, CVO, were present. Senior officials from the Railway Board, including Shri S.M. Sharma, ED/CC; Shri Dinesh Kumar Vashishtha, ED/E&R; and Shri Krishna Kant Rora, Director/CC, were also present, along with other senior officials of DFCCIL.
Inauguration of War Room
During the visit, the Chairman inaugurated the War Room. He directed the officials to develop a dedicated dashboard for identification of track deficiencies, enabling 24-hour monitoring of freight trains. Instructions were also given to ensure immediate rectification of any technical or operational deficiencies identified.
He further directed that the effectiveness of the Vigilance Control Device (VCD), aimed at ensuring the alertness and safety of freight train crew, be reviewed and necessary technical improvements undertaken. Emphasising the use of modern technologies, including cameras at stations, and continuous monitoring of the Signal Exchange System, he stressed that all these activities should be undertaken as a focused campaign.
Directions were also given to address technical deficiencies arising during train operations. He emphasised the need for more effective implementation of new technologies and the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS). Hot Axle Box Detector (HABD) was also discussed. In this regard, a three-level approach was emphasised for resolving issues—first identifying the root cause and existing situation, followed by detailed analysis, and finally implementing an improved system on a permanent basis.
To prevent railway accidents, detailed investigations of train derailment incidents and regular reviews of the causes and findings of fire incidents in trains were also emphasised. The reduction in Cattle Run Over (CRO)-related incidents was noted as a positive development. Discussions were also held on promoting new freight traffic through Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs (MMLHs) and balancing the movement of containers at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Emphasis on Research and Innovation
During discussions with the officials, Shri Satish Kumar stated that the War Room would play an important role in monitoring projects and coordinating operational activities. He directed that DFCCIL work in parallel with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) for technological development and testing, and explore possibilities for developing new technologies.
He emphasised the need to introduce AI-related courses for employee skill development and provide practical training in modern technologies such as Image Recognition. He also directed officials to identify new business opportunities based on available technology and expertise, with a view to further enhancing DFCCIL’s technological capabilities and utility.
Emphasis was also laid on the effective utilisation of financial assistance and funds available under the new policy, along with strengthening research and technical collaboration with IIT Delhi. He stated that specialised institutions should be connected with research projects to accelerate the development of new technologies. Directions were also given to promote the use and development of open-source software for reducing costs, encouraging innovation and strengthening technological self-reliance.
During the visit, he actively participated in the tree plantation programme organised on the campus. He also visited the Experience Centre and was apprised of various activities and achievements of DFCCIL.
Inauguration of Electronic Interlocking Training Facility
Thereafter, the Chairman and CEO visited the Heavy Haul Institute (HHI), where he inaugurated the “Electronic Interlocking Training Setup.” The facility will help provide employees with technical knowledge and practical training in the Electronic Interlocking System, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
In the final leg of the visit, the Chairman and CEO held a meeting with senior officials of DFCCIL in the Conference Room at HHI. Detailed discussions were held on the organisation’s functioning, operational safety, technological development, training arrangements and future plans.
During the interaction, Shri Satish Kumar congratulated DFCCIL on the completion and commissioning of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). He appreciated this significant achievement, marked by the flagging off of double-stack long-haul freight trains with electric traction from New Sanand (N), New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and expressed pride in the progress made by DFCCIL in strengthening the country’s freight transportation infrastructure.
He also appreciated the improvement in punctuality on the parallel Indian Railways sections and in the concerned Railway Zones, and emphasised the importance of sustaining and further enhancing this performance so that the operational benefits of the DFC network are fully realised. He further stressed the importance of continuously improving average freight train speeds and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The visit was significant not only for reviewing DFCCIL’s ongoing activities but also for providing further direction towards safe operations, technological innovation, improved punctuality and the organisation’s future course of action.
