India engages Monash University to optimise rail maintenance in Dedicated Rail Freight Corridors

Monash University

The Monash Institute of Railway Technology (Monash IRT) and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) have signed an agreement to commence their first project following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 to advance heavy haul railway engineering in India.

The Monash IRT, internationally renowned for its experience in solving wheel-rail interface related issues for leading heavy haul operators globally, will support the DFCCIL to optimise the wheel-rail interface on two critical Eastern and Western freight corridors in India, the largest heavy haul network in the world.

Speaking from the signing ceremony in New Delhi India, the Director of Monash IRT Professor Ravi Ravitharan, said this all-important collaboration with the DFCCIL with focus on improving wheel-rail interface, support safety and long term sustainability for India’s heavy haul railways, reduce maintenance costs and extend the asset life for  advancing India’s expanding freight rail network. 

“Monash IRT has a long standing relationship and has collaborated with DFCCIL since 2016. Through this project our team will work closely with DFCCIL engineers and technical staff to transfer knowledge and to advance heavy haul railway engineering in India,” Professor Ravitharan said.

“Monash IRT and the DFCCIL will continue to explore further collaborative projects as part of this broader partnership and continue to strengthen freight rail performance and innovation across both countries.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University, Professor Craig Jeffrey said Monash IRT’s expertise in railway engineering is internationally recognised.

“This collaboration reflects the Institute’s proven capability in solving complex rail engineering problems, with outcomes that have been successfully adopted internationally,” Professor Jeffrey said.

The Managing Director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation Limited, Mr Praveen Kumar said; “Improving rail maintenance has been identified as a critical factor in the newly constructed freight lines. DFCCIL is delighted to secure independent expert support from the world-renowned Monash Institute of Railway Technology, and through this project, will develop indigenous knowledge in this field.”

The MoU signed in 2025 established a framework for joint research, training and technical development. It also provides opportunities to develop a Centre of Excellence in Rail Maintenance, with a focus on wheel-rail interface management and improving system reliability in the future.

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