India on track to lead world in rail technology systems: Vaishnaw
New Delhi (PTI): India is on track to lead the world in rail technology systems and is at the forefront of engineering innovation, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.
The minister inaugurated the 16th edition of the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) at the Bharat Mandapam here. Jointly organised by the Railway Ministry and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the IREE-2025 features participation from over 450 companies representing more than 15 countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
Recognised as Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest rail technology showcase, the IREE serves as a global platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment in rail infrastructure and mobility, according to an official statement.
“India is on track to lead the world in rail technology systems and is at the forefront of engineering innovation. It is a vital exercise to bring Indian and global equipment manufacturers and the entire railway ecosystem together on one platform,” Vaishnaw said.
He added, “With record production in 2024–25 of 7,000 coaches, 42,000 wagons, and 1,681 locomotives, Indian Railways is powering India’s journey towards a developed nation.”
Vaishnaw announced plans to develop dedicated passenger corridors, engineered for maximum speeds of up to 350 kmph with an operating speed of 320 kmph. He said many such corridors will be constructed across the country, forming part of the 'Viksit Bharat' vision, which targets the development of around 7,000 km of dedicated routes by 2047.
"These corridors will be equipped with indigenously developed signalling systems and modern Operations Control Centres (OCCs)," Vaishnaw stated.
Calling Vande Bharat trains a "huge success", he said on technical parameters, the train matches the best in the world.
"India is working on the next generation of high-speed trains, with a strong focus on the export market," the minister said.
He said India is currently operating Vande Bharat 3.0, which represents a significant improvement over its earlier versions.
The Minister highlighted that Vande Bharat 3.0 already meets international benchmarks, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 52 seconds -- faster than many trains in Japan and Europe -- while maintaining lower noise and vibration levels.
He asserted that Vande Bharat 4.0 is expected to be launched within the next 18 months, aiming to set global benchmarks in every aspect of performance and passenger experience.
According to Vaishnaw, the Indian Railways indigenously designed a 2400 kW hydrogen train -- choosing not to import the technology -- marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance and global leadership in sustainable rail.
Railway Board Chairman and CEO, Satish Kumar, said the Indian Railways today stands "at the threshold of a historic transformation."
“From being the backbone of India’s infrastructure, it is now a symbol of technological self-reliance and global excellence,” Kumar added.
The official said that under the leadership of Vaishnaw, the Indian Railways is driving the vision of ‘Make in Bharat, Made for the World’, from design to development, manufacturing to operations.
A statement released by the CII said IREE is recognised as Asia's largest and the world’s second-largest rail technology showcase and serves as a global platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment in rail infrastructure and mobility.
"The inaugural day witnessed the signing of 40 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Indian Railways and its PSUs, and leading industry partners from across the world, focused on advanced joint initiatives in rolling stock, signalling, sustainability tech, passenger safety and digital integration.
A key highlight was the MoU between CII and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, focusing on capacity-building, skill development, and research collaboration to strengthen India’s future-ready railway talent ecosystem.
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), while addressing the gathering, appreciated various recent initiatives taken by the Indian Railways under the leadership of Vaishnaw.
“Indian Railways today stands as a modern engine of Viksit Bharat, combining past achievements with future ambition. It carries over 2 crore passengers daily and is the world’s second-largest cargo carrier, transporting 1.6 billion tonnes of freight, surpassing even the United States," Banerjee said.
The day also saw the launch of several new railway products and technologies, covering AI-driven maintenance, freight optimisation, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient propulsion systems, the CII press note said.
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Wildfires race across Chile, leaving 15 dead, forcing thousands to flee
Penco (Chile) (AP): Wildfires raging across central and southern Chile on Sunday left at least 15 people dead, scorched thousands of acres of forest and destroyed scores of homes, authorities said, as the South American country swelters under a heat wave.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the country's central Biobio region and the neighbouring Nuble region, around 500 kilometres south of Santiago, the capital.
The emergency designation allows greater coordination with the military to rein in two dozen wildfires that have so far blazed through 8,500 hectares and prompted 50,000 people to evacuate, according to Chilean Security Minister Luis Cordero.
“All resources are available,” Boric wrote on X.
But local officials reported that for hours on Sunday, destruction was everywhere and help from the federal government was nowhere.
“Dear President Boric, from the bottom of my heart, I have been here for four hours, a community is burning and there is no (government) presence,” said Rodrigo Vera, the mayor of the small coastal town of Penco in the Biobio region. “How can a minister do nothing but call me to tell me that the military is going to arrive at some point?”
Firefighters were struggling to extinguish the flames, but strong winds and scorching weather hampered their efforts Sunday with temperatures topping 38 C (100 F).
Residents said that the fires took them by surprise after midnight, trapping them in their homes.
“Many people didn't evacuate. They stayed in their houses because they thought the fire would stop at the edge of the forest,” said John Guzman, 55, surveying the scene in Penco, where smoke blanketed the sky in an orange haze. “It was completely out of control. No one expected it."
Although the total number of homes burned nationwide remained unclear, one municipality of Concepcion in Biobio reported 253 homes destroyed.
“We fled running, with the kids, in the dark,” said Juan Lagos, 52, also in Penco. The fire engulfed most of the city, burning cars, a school and a church.
Charred bodies were found across fields, homes, along roads and in cars.
“From what we can see, there are people who died ... and we knew them well," said Víctor Burboa, 54. "Everyone here knew them.”
