New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday announced eight new Railway freight reforms under the Reform Express initiative. The measures aim to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chains, attract private investment and modernise freight operations across Indian Railways.
With these changes, the total number of reforms under Reform Express has reached 17. The Ministry plans to introduce 52 reforms in 52 weeks. Vaishnaw said the earlier reforms have already delivered encouraging results.
The latest package covers fly ash transport, container operations, fertiliser movement, artisan skilling, construction practices, wagon design, petroleum transport and foodgrain logistics.
Railway freight reforms simplify cargo movement
The Minister said Indian Railways will introduce ISO-standard containers for fly ash transportation. As a result, the new system will reduce dust pollution and improve logistics efficiency.
Similarly, the Ministry replaced the existing container licensing framework with a single Pan-India licence. Operators can now run container trains across the railway network after paying a uniform registration fee of ₹25 crore.
In addition, Indian Railways simplified freight charges for fertilisers. The new policy also allows containerised transport. This will support phased distribution, improve wagon utilisation and reduce weather-related losses.
The Ministry also simplified freight rates for foodgrains, flour and pulses. Consequently, containers can remain at buyer or seller locations until required. The sealed containers will reduce contamination and improve supply chain efficiency.
Railway freight reforms encourage innovation
Vaishnaw announced a new policy to certify artisans working on railway projects. Under the policy, workers in specialised trades will undergo practical assessments before receiving QR code-enabled certificates.
Meanwhile, the Ministry introduced new construction reforms to improve project execution. Contractors must now submit performance security at the beginning of projects. Moreover, stricter eligibility rules and new insurance requirements aim to reduce disputes and improve accountability.
The Minister also unveiled a new wagon design policy. As a result, private manufacturers can develop specialised freight wagons for sectors including steel, petroleum, chemicals, milk and plastics, subject to Railway approval.
Further, oil companies can now procure or lease specialised petroleum tank wagons for operation on the railway network. Vaishnaw said these measures will improve freight efficiency, encourage innovation and shift more cargo from road to rail.
He said rail transport generates nearly 90% lower carbon emissions than road transport. Therefore, greater containerisation will strengthen India’s freight ecosystem while supporting cleaner and more efficient transportation.
🚆 Railway Reform in 2026
➡️ Simplifying Container Train Operations across India✅ One unified Pan-India license
✅ Easier business & faster approvals
✅ Greater ease of doing business pic.twitter.com/tXUH47EJwf— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) July 14, 2026
