Railways Launches 5 Reforms Under Reform Express Initiative

On 24th March 2026, Union Minister for Railways announced five new reforms under the “Reform Express” initiative, taking the total number of reforms in 2026 to nine, aimed at improving cargo efficiency, infrastructure quality, and passenger services.

Key Points

Salt Transportation Reform:
- Introduction of stainless steel container-based system.
- Features top-loading and hydraulic side-discharge.
- Reduces corrosion, leakage, and handling losses.
- Enhances multimodal transport efficiency.
Automobile Logistics Boost:
- Flexible wagon designs based on route constraints.
- Improves capacity utilisation and rail share (currently ~24%).
Infrastructure Quality Measures:
- Stricter contractor eligibility norms.
- Fixed bid security at 2% of project cost.
- Mandatory bid capacity checks for large projects.
- Restrictions on subcontracting.
- Safeguards against predatory bidding.
Passenger Convenience Reforms:
- Aadhaar-based OTP verification for bookings.
- Removal of ~3 crore fake IRCTC accounts.
- AI-based detection of fraudulent bookings.
Ticketing & Flexibility:
- Revised cancellation timelines: 72, 24, and 8 hours.
- Counter tickets cancellable at any station.
- Automatic refunds for e-tickets (no TDR needed).
- Travel class upgrade and boarding station change allowed up to 30 minutes before departure.
Earlier Reforms Linkage: Builds on initiatives like Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals expansion, onboard service improvements, and Railway Claims Tribunal digitisation.