Improving Indian Railways with Open Innovation

November 18, 2016 By IdeaConnection

wdm-3d_class_locomotive_of_indian_railwayIndian Railways has been ferrying passengers for 163 years. Now, for the first time in its history, the state-owned railway company is hosting an open innovation brainstorming session for the future of the service it offers.

The three-day even starts today and is involving all employees at all levels.  It is the result of two months of preparation which saw the setting up of a website for online submission of ideas.  More than 100,000 were submitted by 76,000 officers and staff. Also during this time 38 teams formed to shortlist ideas on specific themes, patent them and develop business plans.

This Rail Vikas Shivir (Rail Development Camp) is focused on a number of key areas.  Among them are:

  • Modernize Indian Railways by using best-in-class technology
  • Move towards near zero fatalities in Indian Railways
  • Ensure every train journey is a pleasurable experience for the passenger
  • Dramatically improve non-fare revenues for Indian Railways

A statement from the Ministry of Railways, said:

“The Shivir is being hailed as a watershed in the history of Indian Railways and its outcome are likely to take Indian Railways on the rapid path of rejuvenation, transformation, modernization, efficiency and productivity not seen before with a view to make Indian Railways a world class Railway system.”

The open innovation event is being spearheaded by Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, and such is its importance that several government ministers are expected to be in attendance on the concluding day.

India’s Prime Minister will be awarding prize money to the top three teams and the top 15 crowdsourced ideas.


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Reader Comments


Railway catering system:

To get a quality food at reasonable cost is always an issue. Here I am proposing that house wife should be roped in on Franchisee basis. this is similar to Lijjat Papad . House wives can bid for what they can supply at desiganted time. They need:
1. Cook as per laid out procedure
2. Ingredient used should be of specified quality
3. A short training at IRCTC canteens or base Kitchen should bring them to uniform platform
4. A standard packaging be specified by IRCTC or provided.

Thus base kitchen load would be redistributed to individual Kitchens and passengers will get fresh and Q stuff. Probably prices could be controlled more easily. Also this would provide employment to needy house wives and young personnel utilizing their spare time within their house premises.
Thus a win win proposal
Posted by Cdr Vinod Dahake on February 15, 2017

I suggest that Indian Railways should start Corriar service where the package is to be picked up from the incoming train coach. Typically trains have AC coaches of I class and AC two & three tier AC. Also the trains have a Pantry car and Guards space'( Compartment). It is also observed that the front guard compartment usually goes vacant. These places could be utilized for Package transfer. Most of the odd cities ( B towns ) can be effectively linked. The custody and accounting should be with AC compartment staff or guard or train supd. This scheme will fetch additional revenue. At the time of booking pick up station , compartment and designated officer is identified. The Adhaar card of recipient should be used as ID.
Posted by Cdr Vinod Dahake on February 15, 2017

Relocateable carriage ,track interaction recorder. A device fully portable that fits under existing railway rails, (non interference), that measures the weight by rail deflection, sound ,as to wear,alignment,bearings, play sideways. Recorded and transmitted at same time . Attached to a time base of scheduled sevices ,would be able to detect at a rapid rate ,state of all carriages, wheels and serviceability,
Determination of trains and carriage down to problem (BOGGIES) with the above infirmation regardless of number of trains using track.
As the unit is fully portable, and no attachment neccessary, No interuption to services would be needed (BASIC overview above) Indepth to follow.
Posted by Stephen Fitton on November 26, 2016

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