The Ministry of Railways is set to introduce a new Wagon Design Policy in July to streamline approvals, encourage innovation and modernise freight rolling stock. In a release on June 25, the Ministry said it has been decided to finalise the new policy within 15 days. During a review meeting earlier in the week, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed senior officials to make Indian Railways the preferred mode of freight transport for various commodities. He said strict standards for design approval and prototype development would ensure the production of the highest quality wagons in the country. The national transporter said it is holding consultations with industries, trade bodies and major freight customers to understand their transport needs. Industry representatives said wagons designed to meet the specific loading, unloading, handling and transportation requirements of different commodities would encourage greater use of rail for freight movement. Under the proposed policy, industries will design railway wagons based on their specific operational and business requirements and may suggest changes to wagon designs. For instance, transporting steel coils requires special binding arrangements and dedicated loading and unloading systems, while other commodities have their own unique operational needs. The responsibility for ensuring wagon safety will rest with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). These reforms are expected to enable the entry of several new industries into the railway freight ecosystem. The move aims to attract more freight traffic, improve customer convenience and increase the rail's share in the country's logistics sector, while encouraging innovation in wagon design and strengthening the Railways' freight transport network.