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India’s ambitious PM Gati Shakti initiative aims to enhance multi-modal logistics through seamless integration of rail, road, air, and port infrastructures. The Railway Board’s strategic steps, coupled with cutting-edge civil engineering innovations, are key in achieving this synergy, ensuring efficient freight movement and sustainable development. Md. Tanveer Khan, Joint Director (Gatishakti, Civil), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways shares more on this in an exclusive interaction with Nisha Samant of Elets News Network (ENN).

Edited excerpts:

In light of India’s focus on multi-modal logistics under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, how does the Railway Board plan to synergize the existing freight corridors with other transport infrastructure? What role do civil engineering advancements play in ensuring seamless integration?

As you are aware, the PM Gati Shakti initiative aims to enhance multi-modal logistics by improving the integration of various transport systems. The vision is to create adequate infrastructure for catalysing socio-economic development in a sustainable manner, within a rational geographic location, based on a convergence approach. To achieve synergy, the following steps have been taken:

Integrated Planning: We are working closely with other transportation sectors to align routes and schedules. This ensures that rail freight seamlessly connects with roadways, ports, and air transport, including providing last-mile connectivity.
Logistics Parks and Terminals: Establishing logistics parks near freight corridors facilitates the smooth transfer of goods between rail and road. These parks are designed to handle intermodal transfers efficiently, minimizing delays.

Real-Time Data Sharing: Implementing technology for real-time data exchange between different transport modes allows for better coordination and visibility in supply chains. This includes tracking shipments, optimizing load planning, and running freight trains as per the timetable.

Investment in Infrastructure: Enhanced funding and investment are directed towards developing robust connections between rail corridors and other transport networks, including GatiShakti Cargo Terminals (GCT) that cater specifically to multi-modal logistics.

Regarding your question on the role of civil engineering advancements in ensuring seamless integration, I want to mention that civil engineering is the backbone of any infrastructure development, whether it be railways, highways, ports, docks, or business hubs. Advancements in civil engineering play a vital role in ensuring seamless integration in the following ways:

Modernised Infrastructure: Innovations in civil engineering, such as better and more robust bridge/tunnel design and construction, improvements in track structures, and enhancements in the load-bearing capacity of formations/embankments, help accommodate higher volumes of freight traffic while ensuring efficiency and safety.

Smart Construction Techniques: Advanced construction methodologies, including modular construction and sustainable practices, enable quicker and more efficient development of transport facilities and intermodal terminals.

Geotechnical Engineering: Improved soil analysis and engineering solutions enhance the stability and durability of rail tracks and surrounding infrastructure, which is critical for integrating different transport modes.

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): Civil engineering advancements in ITS contribute to better traffic management and coordination between different transport modes, facilitating smoother transitions for freight movement.

Environmental Considerations: Implementing eco-friendly designs and materials helps reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The list is extensive…

In conclusion, the synergy between railway corridors and other transport infrastructures under the PM Gati Shakti initiative is crucial for optimising logistics efficiency. Civil engineering advancements play a pivotal role in ensuring that these integrations are not only seamless but also sustainable, supporting the overall goal of transforming India’s logistics landscape.

The Indian Railways is undergoing a technological transformation, with advanced trains like the Vande Bharat symbolising this shift. How are IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems being integrated into the civil and infrastructural planning of new railway projects, and what are the challenges of securing these systems?

Yes, Indian Railways is indeed embracing a technological transformation, exemplified by modern trains like Vande Bharat. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) into civil and infrastructural planning is crucial for enhancing efficiency, safety, and overall performance in new railway projects. Regarding how this integration is taking place and its associated challenges, I would like to clarify that Indian Railways is using these new technologies in the following ways:

Predictive Maintenance: Devices are being deployed across railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and signalling systems. These sensors collect real-time data on structural integrity, track conditions, and train movements, facilitating proactive maintenance and reducing downtime. CPS enables predictive analytics, where data from IoT sensors is analyzed to predict failures before they occur. This approach helps in scheduling timely maintenance and reducing operational disruptions. Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors (USFD) are extensively used in Indian Railways to detect flaws or cracks in the rails of the running tracks.

Automated Operations: Advanced train control systems, integrated with IoT, allow for automated train operations, improving punctuality and safety. These systems monitor train speeds and adjust operations dynamically based on real-time data. New technologies are being used to improve passenger services, such as real-time tracking of trains, automated ticketing systems, and smart onboard services that enhance comfort and efficiency.

Of course, there are challenges in securing these systems:

Cybersecurity Threats: As railway systems become more interconnected, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Threats can range from data breaches to more severe disruptions of train operations and safety systems.

Data Privacy Concerns: The extensive data collected from passengers and operations needs to be managed carefully to protect privacy and comply with regulations. Ensuring secure data storage and transmission is crucial.

To sum up, the integration of IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems in Indian Railways represents a significant leap towards modernization and efficiency. However, addressing the cybersecurity challenges associated with these technologies is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of railway operations. A robust strategy that includes investing in cybersecurity measures, developing a standardized regulatory framework, and enhancing public-private collaboration will be key to overcoming these challenges.

With the Dedicated Freight Corridor operational over 90% across 2,800 km, what have been the key civil engineering challenges in maintaining infrastructure, especially in high-traffic zones like the Khurja-Dadri section of the Eastern DFC?

The operationalisation of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) has significantly improved freight logistics in India. However, maintaining infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic zones like the Khurja-Dadri section of the Eastern DFC, presents several civil engineering challenges. These include track maintenance, wear and tear, and the upkeep of bridges. Ensuring proper drainage, especially in densely populated areas such as Dadri, Greater Noida, and Noida, also poses significant challenges.

Maintaining infrastructure, especially railway infrastructure handling heavy freight movements, requires a multifaceted approach to address civil engineering challenges. Ongoing monitoring, advanced materials, and innovative engineering solutions are key to ensuring the reliability and safety of this critical transport infrastructure as freight demand continues to grow.

As India plans to further expand its rail infrastructure, what innovative civil engineering practices and technologies can be adopted to fast-track construction and ensure better durability and resilience of the railway infrastructure?

In today’s scenario, with ambitious plans to expand rail infrastructure across the country, it is essential to implement innovative civil engineering practices and technologies that can enhance speed, durability, and resilience. Several approaches being adopted or considered are:

Modular Construction Techniques: Utilizing pre-fabricated components can significantly reduce construction time. Bridges and viaducts are manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, leading to faster project completion. Additionally, implementing standardized, site-specific designs can streamline the construction process and reduce variability.

Advanced Materials: Using high-performance and self-healing concrete can enhance the durability of structures, reducing maintenance needs and extending their lifespan. Incorporating geosynthetic materials for soil stabilization, erosion control, and drainage can improve the longevity and performance of track beds and embankments.

Sustainable Practices: Sustainable methods, such as using recycled materials and energy-efficient techniques, can improve the environmental performance of construction projects. Designing effective drainage systems using natural water management techniques can enhance resilience to flooding and waterlogging.

Advanced Geotechnical Engineering: Techniques like dynamic compaction and grouting can improve the load-bearing capacity of soils, particularly in areas with challenging geotechnical conditions.

Community Engagement and Local Materials: Sourcing materials locally can reduce transportation time and costs, while fostering community involvement. Engaging local communities in planning and decision-making can lead to better project outcomes and greater acceptance.

Also Read | Indian Railways – Reinventing Tracks with Innovations in Rail Networks

In conclusion, by adopting these innovative civil engineering practices and technologies, India can not only accelerate the construction of its railway network but also enhance the durability and resilience of the infrastructure. These advancements will be crucial in meeting future demands while ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency in operations.

Is there any plan and way forward by the Ministry of Railways for its network expansion? What steps have been taken by the Ministry of Railways to fast-track the railway projects?

Yes, in a major push towards network expansion, logistics efficiency, and reduction of logistics costs related to rail movement, the Interim Budget for 2024-25 had provided for three Economic Railway Corridor Programs identified under the PM Gati Shakti initiative to enable multi-modal connectivity. These include the following corridors:

• Energy, mineral, and cement corridors,
• Port connectivity corridors, and
• High traffic density corridors.

Approximately 434 railway projects have been identified under these three Economic Corridors, totalling 40,900 km, with a total investment plan of Rs. 11.16 lakh crore.

Regarding the fast-tracking of projects, various steps have been taken by the Ministry of Railways, which include: (i) setting up Gati Shakti units, (ii) prioritizing projects, (iii) substantially increasing the allocation of funds for priority projects, (iv) delegating powers at the field level, (v) close monitoring of project progress at various levels, and (vi) regular follow-up with State Governments and concerned authorities for expediting land acquisition, forestry and wildlife clearances, and resolving other issues related to the projects.

These efforts have led to a substantial increase in the rate of commissioning of new lines, gauge conversion, and doubling. In the financial year 2022-23, 5,243 km were commissioned, and subsequently, in the next financial year, 5,309 km of railway tracks were added to the Indian Railway network.

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