Indian Railways launches Reform Express freight reforms

Key facts

• Indian Railways unveiled eight new structural reforms under the Reform Express initiative to modernise freight operations.
• Containerised transportation of fly ash using ISO-standard containers was introduced to enable pollution-free movement.
• The container train operator licensing regime was simplified into a single unified Pan-India licence with a uniform registration fee of ₹25 crore.
• Freight tariff structure for fertilisers was simplified into a per-tonne-per-kilometre model, and containerised movement of fertilisers was permitted.
• Container-based transportation with simplified tariffs was introduced for foodgrains, flour, and pulses.
• A nationwide policy for certification of artisans in railway projects was introduced, with QR code-enabled digital certificates.
• Construction reforms include upfront collection of performance security, ineligibility of contractors with litigation exceeding half their net worth, and mandatory insurance.
• The Rail Bhoomi digital platform was strengthened for integrated land acquisition and real-time monitoring.
• A new wagon design approval policy allows private manufacturers to develop customised wagon designs for specific commodities.
• Oil companies can now directly procure or lease specialised tank wagons for petroleum transportation.