New Delhi, June 25 (IANS) Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that strict standards for design approval and prototype development would ensure the manufacture of the highest quality wagons in India as the Railways moves towards a major overhaul of its wagon design framework. The minister chaired a review meeting with senior railway officials to discuss reforms aimed at making Indian Railways the preferred mode of freight transportation for a wider range of commodities.Vaishnaw said the Railway Board has decided to introduce significant changes to the existing Wagon Design Policy to make it more industry-friendly and encourage the development of specialised wagons tailored to specific commodities. The new policy is expected to be finalised within 15 days.According to the minister, industries will be allowed to design wagons based on their operational requirements under the proposed framework. He said that different commodities require different handling, loading, unloading and transportation systems, making customized wagon designs essential for improving logistics efficiency.

The move follows extensive consultations by Indian Railways with industries, trade associations and major freight customers. Industry representatives emphasized that customised wagon designs could significantly expand the use of rail transport for several commodities.Officials noted that the successful deployment of specialized wagons for commodities such as cement and salt has already demonstrated the benefits of designing wagons according to industry needs. These wagons have improved operational efficiency and enhanced the attractiveness of rail-based logistics.Vaishnaw said that while industries would be empowered to propose modifications in wagon designs, the responsibility for ensuring safety standards would remain with the RDSO and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The minister said the reforms would encourage innovation and facilitate the entry of new industries into the railway freight ecosystem.He cited the example of steel coil transportation, which requires specialized binding arrangements and dedicated loading and unloading systems, adding that several other commodities also have distinct operational requirements that can be addressed through customized wagon designs.

/IANS