The Indian Railways has awarded startups with 23 innovation projects worth Rs. 43.87 crore to address 15 specific problem statements aimed at improving the services of the national transporter. An official statement highlighted that a total of 423 offers were received against the 28 problem statements opened so far on an innovation portal, which was launched in June 2022 to seek suggestions from startups.

The Railways' grant share stands at approximately Rs. 10.52 crore for eligible startups working on these ongoing innovation projects. The innovation portal was designed to solicit solutions for various concerns, including:

1. Design of Superior Elastomeric Pad for Heavy Haul Freight Wagons: To enhance durability and performance.
2. Light Weight Wagon for Transporting Commodities like Salt: To increase efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
3. Rail Stress Monitoring System: For better maintenance and safety of tracks.
4. Track Inspection Technologies: To improve the accuracy and efficiency of track inspections.
5. Broken Rail System: To detect and address rail fractures promptly.
6. Track Cleaning Machines: To maintain cleanliness and safety on the tracks.
7. Development of Sensor-Based Load Calculation Device with Audio-Visual Alarm**: To ensure safe load management and prompt alerts in case of overloads.

These initiatives reflect the Indian Railways' commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration with startups to enhance the efficiency, safety, and quality of its services.