Indian Railways extends MoU with IIT Kanpur to facilitate research on modernization of Railway Infrastructure
Kanpur: The Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur today announced the extension of their Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Railways to encourage state-of-the-art collaborative research for modernization of Railway Infrastructure and efficient utilization of its scientific assets through the Centre for Railway Research (CRR). Located in the Department of Electrical Engineering IIT Kanpur, the Centre for Railway Research works in the domain of Locomotive Research and Propulsion Technologies, Traction Installation/OHE, and associated electronics with the aim of developing a robust infrastructure driven by innovation, equipped with latest technology and operated by trained staff.
Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director IIT Kanpur added, “We at IIT Kanpur have always understood the significant role played by research in various sectors of modern society today. The collaboration with Indian Railways will play a crucial role in modernizing the system through the productive utilization of cutting edge technologies in the areas of electronics, sensor networks, IoT, power electronics, and electrical safety. Concurrently, we have also been conducting research and development in the domain areas pertinent to the Indian Railways. Our sole aim will always be able to witness the tangible changes recognized in the system due to our relentless efforts.”
The MoU was signed by Ms. Alka Arora Misra, Principal Executive Director (T&MPP), Ministry of Railways and Prof. A R Harish, Dean, R&D, IIT Kanpur. Present on the occasion were Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur, Shri Vashishtha Johri, General Manager, Southern Railway, Prof. R. Hegde, Head CRR IIT Kanpur, Prof. Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, and Prof. Ravindra Gettu, IIT Madras.
The MoU will facilitate research in the core area of Electrical Locomotive, Motive Power, Locomotive Control and Communication Systems, Traction Installation, Condition-based monitoring, Train and track safety using signal processing, Power and vehicle control electronics, Driver interface systems, Train level sensor networks and IoT, Electrical Safety, Network Control, Staff Training in related technical areas through the Centre for Railway Research (CRR) at IIT Kanpur.
IIT Kanpur is one of the premier Indian Institutes of Technology to be established in 1959 by the Government of India. As an organization, it has played a pivotal role in conducting research and innovation leading to technological advancements in various sectors in India.
The Indian Railways is responsible for the smooth functioning of one of the largest railway systems in the world transporting billions of passengers and over 1000 million tons of freight annually. It indeed forms the backbone of the transport infrastructure system in India. It has been projected that by 2030, the Indian transport sector is expected is to attract over 60 percent of infrastructure investment. As a result, proactive measures are being undertaken by the Indian Railways for its modernization to boost scientific advancement.