Monash IRT launches landmark freight rail collaboration in India

The Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) has launched its first joint project with India's Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), marking a significant milestone in a partnership aimed at advancing heavy-haul railway engineering and freight rail performance.

Building on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025, the project will see IRT apply its globally recognised expertise in wheel-rail interface management to support optimisation of two critical freight corridors in India, part of the world's largest heavy-haul rail network.

Speaking at the project signing in New Delhi, Monash IRT Director Professor Ravi Ravitharan (pictured fourth from right), highlighted the enduring relationship between the two organisations.

“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.”

The collaboration will focus on improving safety, reducing maintenance costs, extending asset life and supporting the long-term sustainability of India's rapidly expanding freight rail network.

Professor Ravitharan said the partnership also opens the door to future opportunities. “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.”

The initiative reinforces Monash IRT's international leadership in railway engineering and its commitment to delivering practical solutions for some of the world's most complex rail challenges.

Read the full article in Rail Express here.