Report on Modernisation of Indian Railways by Sam Pitroda

Expert Group on Modernisation of Indian Railways by Sam Pitroda submitted its report in Feb 2012. The Group was constituted to suggest ways  and means to modernize Indian Railways to meet the challenges of economic growth, cater to the aspirations of common man, the needs of changing technology  while ensuring at the same time socio economic requirements of the country.
Major recommendations of the Group include:

  • Modernisation of 19,000 km of track.
  • Strengthening of 11,250 bridges.
  • Eliminating all Level crossings.
  • Automatic signaling on A and B routes.
  • Cab signaling system .
  • GSM based mobile train control system on A,B,C routes.
  • Introduction of new generation locos – electric locos of 9,000 and 12,000 HP and High Power diesel locos of 5500 HP.
  • Introduction high speed LHB coaches with 160/200 kmph.
  • Introduction of high haul freight bogies.
  • Modernisation of 100 major stations.
  • Development of 34 multi modal logistic parks.
  • To set up real time information system.
  • Internet access at 342 railway stations.
  • To attract private investment through  PP models for freight terminals, high speed railway lines, leasing wagons, coach and loco manufacturing renewable energy generation etc.
  • Mission mode approach for 15 focus areas – track and bridges, signaling, rolling stock, stations, dedicated freight corridors, High speed trains, review of existing and proposed projects, ICT, indigenous development, safety, funding and human recourses.
  • Construction of Eastern and Western Freight Corridors.
  • Construction of high speed Railway line between Ahmedabad and Mumbai with a speed of 300 kmph.
  • Establish Indian Institute of Railway Research.
  • To offer Graduate programme in Railway Technology in IITs and Railway Management in IIMs.
  • Revamping accounting system on business lines.
  • Empower Zonal Railways in investment decision with accountability for return on capital, transport output, safety and profitability.
  • Total funding requirement for implementation of committee report will be Rs.8,22,671 crores for next five years. It proposes this from Rs. 2,50,000 crore from budgetary support, Rs. 2,01,805 crore from Internal generation and rest by leasing/borrowing, dividend rebate, road safety fund.