Monash Expertise Targeted for Indian Freight Rail Maintenance
03rd August 2026
Monash University railway engineering expertise will be used to improve maintenance, safety and asset life across two of India’s critical heavy-haul freight corridors.
The Monash Institute of Railway Technology (Monash IRT) and Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) have signed an agreement to begin their first project under a Memorandum of Understanding established between the organisations in 2025.
The project will see Monash IRT support DFCCIL in optimising the wheel-rail interface on India’s Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, which form part of what Monash describes as the world’s largest heavy-haul network.
Managing the interaction between train wheels and rails is an important element in controlling wear, reducing maintenance requirements and extending the operating life of railway infrastructure.
Monash IRT director Professor Ravi Ravitharan said the collaboration would focus on improving the wheel-rail interface to support safety and long-term sustainability while reducing maintenance costs and extending asset life across India’s expanding freight network.
“Monash IRT has a long-standing relationship and has collaborated with DFCCIL since 2016,” Ravitharan said.
“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.”
The project builds on Monash IRT’s international work addressing wheel-rail interface issues for heavy-haul railway operators.
Monash University deputy vice-chancellor (International) and senior vice-president Professor Craig Jeffrey said the institute’s railway engineering expertise was internationally recognised.
“This collaboration reflects the Institute’s proven capability in solving complex rail engineering problems, with outcomes that have been successfully adopted internationally,” Jeffrey said.
DFCCIL managing director Praveen Kumar said improving maintenance had been identified as a critical requirement for the newly constructed freight lines.
“DFCCIL is delighted to secure independent expert support from the world-renowned MonashInstitute of Railway Technology, and through this project, will develop indigenous knowledge in this field,” Kumar said.
The organisations are also considering further collaborative projects under their broader partnership.
The 2025 Memorandum of Understanding established a framework covering joint research, training and technical development and includes opportunities to establish a Centre of Excellence in Rail Maintenance.
That centre would focus particularly on wheel-rail interface management and improving the long-term reliability of India’s freight rail system.