Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the All India Track Maintainers Conference on April 22, 2026. He emphasized that the way railway employees work will completely change in the next 5 to 8 years due to modernization. The government will prioritize the safety and welfare of track maintainers by providing modern tools and better resources.
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What are the new technical updates for track maintenance?
The railway is introducing several advanced systems to make track work safer and more efficient. A new Rail-cum-Road vehicle is being tested in the Bhavnagar Division, which allows staff to carry tools and inspect tracks comfortably. Additionally, drone technology and new types of gauges are being used for precise measurements of turnouts and point-crossings.
How is the infrastructure and equipment being upgraded?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Track Machines | Increasing from 1,800 to 3,000 units |
| New Track Laid | 36,000 km in the last 10 years |
| Rail System | 60kg rail and 90 UTS strength rails |
| Rail Panels | 207 meter long panels being implemented |
| Safety App | Mobile app being tested in Southern and Western Railway |
What are the goals for employee safety and AI integration?
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the goal is to bring Indian Railway safety standards at par with developed nations. While accidents have dropped by 90% in the last decade, the ministry will now integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) for large-scale maintenance and monitoring. The government also discussed demands regarding promotion and the status of those who lose their lives during duty.