Rail Tech Policy and e-RCT Digitization

• 27 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Railways unveiled two major reforms under its "52 Reforms in 52 Weeks" initiative—the RailTech Policy and the Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT) digitization—aimed at enhancing transparency and improving access to justice.

What is Rail Tech Policy and e-RCT Digitization?

Rail Tech Policy 

• About: It is a dedicated, high-tech, round-the-clock digital single-window platform that enables end-to-end digital submission and processing of proposals. Innovators can submit detailed proposals in a simplified single-stage process, replacing outdated multi-stage vendor selection mechanisms.
• Rail Tech Portal: A dedicated Rail Tech Portal will be established for innovators, startups, industry, and institutions to promote innovation in Railways.
• Funding Boost: The policy increases the scale-up grant more than three times and doubles the maximum grant for prototype development and trials. The Railways will support up to 50% of development funding for viable solutions.
• Key Innovation Areas: The policy targets critical operational challenges, including:
  • AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS)
  • AI-based fire detection in coaches
  • Drone-based broken rail detection
  • Obstruction detection in foggy environments
  • AI-based coach cleaning monitoring
  • Sensor-based load calculation on parcel vans
• Scalability: Successful innovations will be supported with substantial long-term orders to enable scaling of the solution across the railway network.

Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT) Digitization

• About e-RCT Digitization: It introduces end-to-end computerization and digitization of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT), making claim filing, processing, and adjudication faster and transparent.
• Core Modules of e-RCT: The platform is built on three key components:
  • E-Filing: 24x7 online filing with instant acknowledgement through SMS and email.
  • Case Information System (CIS): Centralized database for real-time case tracking from filing to final disposal.
  • Document Management System (DMS): Digital storage of pleadings, orders, and judgements with digitally signed records.
• Legal Basis of e-RCT: The Railway Claims Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body constituted under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 to adjudicate claims related to death/injury in accidents, untoward incidents, loss of goods, and refund of fares. It has 23 benches across India  (Principal Bench at Delhi).
• Timeline and Expansion: All 23 RCT benches across India are targeted to be fully digitized within the next 12 months. If successful, this model could be extended to other tribunals like the Central Administrative Tribunal.
• Citizen-Centric Benefits: The new system allows aggrieved passengers to file claims electronically from anywhere in the country, eliminating confusion over jurisdictional benches, especially in cross-state travel incidents.
  • It ensures faster case processing, reduced adjournments, real-time status updates, online access to orders, and significant cost savings for litigants by reducing travel, printing, and courier expenses. 

52 Reforms in 52 Weeks Initiative

• About: Launched in early 2026 it is an ambitious, time-bound program committing Indian Railways to implement one major structural reform per week throughout the calendar year 2026, aiming for a comprehensive and transparent transformation of the national transporter.
• Vision Alignment: The initiative aligns with broader "Reforms Express" vision and builds upon previous reforms implemented in the railways over the preceding decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the "52 Reforms in 52 Weeks" initiative?

It is a time-bound program launched in 2026 by the Ministry of Railways to implement one major structural reform per week throughout the year, aiming for comprehensive modernization.

2. What is the RailTech Policy and its primary objective?

It is a digital single-window platform (Reform Number Three) designed to engage innovators and startups by simplifying the proposal submission process and providing enhanced funding for technological solutions in railways.

3. What are the three core modules of the e-RCT system?

E-Filing, Case Information System (CIS), and Document Management System (DMS) enabling end-to-end digital case management.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)   

Q. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: (2015)

1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.   
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?   

(a) 1 only    

(b) 2 only    

(c) Both 1 and 2   

(d) Neither 1 nor 2   

Ans: (d)