Science TechnologySaturday, 28 February 2026·The Hindu
Railways launches Rail Tech Portal and e-RCT under 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks
Indian Railways launched Reform 3 and Reform 4: Rail Tech Portal and e-RCT digitisation.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In February 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Reform No. 3, the Rail Tech Policy with a Rail Tech Portal, and Reform No. 4, the e-RCT system for the Railway Claims Tribunal, under Indian Railways’ “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative.
Key specifics
- The Rail Tech Portal allows single-stage detailed proposal submission for innovation challenges.
- Scale-up grant support was increased by more than 3 times, and the maximum prototype grant was doubled.
- Priority areas include AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System, AI fire detection in coaches, and drone-based broken rail detection.
- The Railway Claims Tribunal has 23 benches across 21 cities, with the Principal Bench in Delhi.
- e-RCT provides 24×7 e-filing, CIS tracking, DMS storage, and hybrid hearings for claims and adjudication.
Exam lens
Science and technology plus governance MCQ focus: Rail Tech Portal, e-RCT, 23 benches, 21 cities, 24×7 e-filing — a TNPSC-style question on railway digital reforms and AI use.