Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today informed that Rail Bhoomi portal will be launched to manage the complete process of land acquisition.

 

Briefing media in New Delhi on the reforms aimed at modernising Indian Railways, Mr Vaishnaw said his ministry has brought several reforms, including in the construction sector. He said fertilizers can now be transported in containers.

 

Mr Vaishnaw said that the fly ash generated in power plants will now be transported in containers so that its fine dust could not pollute the environment. He said, in sectors like Railways, cement and road construction, fly ash will be transported in containers. Mr Vaishnaw also announced a unified licence system under the container policy.

 

Mr Vaishnaw said Wagon design can now be done by the industry. He said that any designer or manufacturer can propose a new wagon design. He informed that after evaluating the design, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will give permission for the prototype. The Minister said this will enable special design wagons for specific industry needs. 

 

On skill certification framework for railway projects, Mr Vaishnaw said that this system will be implemented across all projects in a maximum of 24 months. He said, when large scale infrastructure creation work is underway in the country, it is important that plumbers, welders, fitters, masons, concrete testers and all other workers are well trained.

 

The Minister underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has continuously encouraged to bring reforms in the Railways.