Railways unveils eight more freight reforms under ‘Reform Express’, taking the total to 17
Key facts
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced eight new reforms on 14 July 2026. The total under 'Reform Express' is now 17.
- The plan is 52 reforms in 52 weeks.
- Fly ash will move in containers instead of open wagons. This cuts dust pollution.
- Container train operators get a single all-India licence, with a ₹25 crore registration fee.
- Fertiliser and foodgrain freight now use a simple per-tonne-per-km tariff. Private firms can also design specialised wagons.
Why it matters
[Economy] Rail freight is cheaper and cleaner than road freight. Railways wants to win back cargo lost to trucks. Simpler tariffs and more private participation are meant to lower logistics costs.
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