National Startup Day: How Indian Railways is supporting startups, entrepreneurs in improving efficiency, safety of railways

Entrepreneurship skills and startup initiatives have taken a new meaning in India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 announced January 16 as National Startup Day. Many

Entrepreneurs rejoiced over the decision and felt ecstatic and at the same time, various industrial sectors took it upon themselves to come out with initiatives that would help

these entrepreneurs and startups in building their ground. Also ReadIndian Railways runs Winter Special Trains for passengers’ convenience, Check the ones you can still

board! The Ministry of Railways is doing its best to leverage innovative technologies developed by Indian startups and innovators to improve the efficiency and safety of

Indian Railways. Here’s how: Startups for Indian Railways The Indian Railways launched a scheme called ‘Startups For Railways’ in June 2022. The scheme was

launched to provide funds of Rs 1.5 crore for innovative technological solutions. The initiative was taken to encourage startups across the nation. As soon as it was launched, the

scheme gained momentum. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had in August 2022 announced that the Indian Railways received a total of 297 proposals from startups under the said

scheme. Also ReadUSBRL rail project connecting Kashmir to rest of India completed 90 per cent, says Ministry of Railways The ideas were proposed to solve 11 problems

of the Indian Railways including the rail stress monitoring system, track cleaning machine, broken rail detection system, track inspection technologies for accurate inspection,

and light-weight wagons for transporting commodities like salt, among others.