Railways Committee to Modernize Operational Rulebook

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With launch preparations in full swing, NISAR stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations prioritize mutual respect, technological excellence, and long-term vision over short-term political gains. In a strategic move to modernize its operations, the Ministry of Railways has set up a six-member expert committee to review and update the General Rules of Indian Railways. This review aims to align the operational framework with emerging technologies and evolving safety standards, ensuring smoother and more efficient railway operations across the country.

According to a directive issued by the Ministry on July 9, the panel will examine the existing rulebook and recommend revisions necessary for today’s operational demands. The committee includes three Principal Executive Directors representing Traffic Transportation, Safety, and Civil Engineering; two Executive Directors from the Signal and Electrical Engineering-II division; and the Dean of the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM).

The General Rules serve as the backbone of railway operations, guiding departments in maintaining discipline, coordination, and safety. The review’s sixfold objective includes integrating critical zonal subsidiary rules, amending outdated protocols, and ensuring uniformity across zones. It also aims to eliminate obsolete practices, streamline rule structures, and incorporate changes brought on by advancements such as digital signaling and real-time monitoring systems.

With Indian Railways increasingly embracing innovation to handle growing passenger and freight demands, this rule revision is timely. The ministry’s forward-looking approach is expected to enhance operational discipline while reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. By updating these foundational rules, Indian Railways is positioning itself for a more agile and technologically adaptive future without compromising the safety and integrity that have long defined the network.

This initiative reflects a pragmatic focus on infrastructure efficiency and national progress, reinforcing the importance of modernizing key institutions while respecting the core principles that have made them reliable.