Indian Railways Launches RailTech Policy e-RCT System in India

NEW DELHI, INDIA – As part of its “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” programme, Indian Railways has introduced two major digital initiatives on 26 February 2026. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the RailTech Policy to systematise innovation and an AI-enabled e-RCT platform to digitise the entire lifecycle of the Railway Claims Tribunal, which operates 23 benches nationwide.

What Are the Technical Specifications?

The initiatives consist of a new policy framework and a dedicated digital justice platform. The RailTech Policy creates a streamlined, single-stage digital portal for innovators and startups to submit proposals, replacing legacy vendor selection processes. Indian Railways will co-fund up to 50 percent of development costs for viable projects, with significantly increased grant ceilings for prototype development and large-scale deployment.

The e-RCT platform is a fully digitised system for the Railway Claims Tribunal, designed to handle compensation claims. Key modules include a 24-hour e-filing portal, a centralised Case Information System for real-time tracking, and a Document Management System with digital signatures. The system will support hybrid physical-virtual hearings and is scheduled for full implementation across all 23 benches within 12 months.

Key Technical Data

Where Does This Technology Stand in the Market?

The RailTech Policy’s framework for co-funded, ecosystem-driven innovation is comparable to large-scale public-private research programmes in other major rail markets. For example, the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU) also pools public and private funding to accelerate R&D across the continent, though its focus is primarily on interoperability and standardisation across member states. The Indian model is distinctly focused on national self-reliance and reducing import dependency, aligning with the “Make in India” industrial policy. (Source: European Commission, 2024).

The digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal through the e-RCT platform follows a global trend in judicial reform. Many countries have implemented end-to-end digital platforms for civil claims to improve efficiency and access to justice. The UK’s His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has rolled out similar online portals for tax, immigration, and civil money claims. The inclusion of AI-enabled processes in the e-RCT system positions it as a modern platform, although the specific functions of the AI have not yet been fully detailed.

Editor’s Analysis

These twin reforms signal a deliberate strategy by Indian Railways to pivot from being a passive technology buyer to an active R&D facilitator. By creating a dedicated framework for local innovators, the operator aims to build a domestic supply chain for critical technologies like AI-based safety systems and reduce long-term operational costs and reliance on foreign vendors. This approach directly supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision and could become a model for other state-run infrastructure sectors in the country. The North American market’s current focus on managing aging fleets with limited new builds highlights a contrasting strategy, where innovation is driven more by established suppliers rather than a national, government-backed startup ecosystem (Source: FreightCar America, 2025).

FAQ

Q: What is the main goal of the RailTech Policy?
A: The primary goal is to accelerate the adoption of new technologies by creating a simplified framework for startups and innovators to partner with Indian Railways. The railway will co-fund up to 50% of development costs for successful proposals.

Q: How does the new e-RCT system change the claims process?
A: It digitizes the entire lifecycle, allowing claimants to file and track cases online 24/7 from anywhere in the country. This eliminates the need for physical travel to one of the 23 tribunal benches and is designed to reduce administrative delays.

Q: What is the total budget for the RailTech innovation fund?
A: The total size of the grant fund under the RailTech Policy has not been officially disclosed. However, the policy has doubled the grant ceilings for prototype development and more than tripled them for scale-up grants.