PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 23: In a major push towards railway modernisation and skill development, Indian Railways has inaugurated a Multi-Disciplinary Divisional Training Institute (MDDTI) at Bagbera in Tatanagar under the Chakradharpur division.
The institute was launched to improve workforce skills and prepare railway staff for technology-driven operations.
Modern Learning Facilities Introduced
The new training centre is equipped with smart classrooms, digital learning systems, and a working broad-gauge track model for practical training.
It also includes operational models of points, crossings, and railway coaches to help staff understand real-life working conditions. Training programmes will cover key departments such as Engineering, Mechanical, Signal & Telecom, and Accounts.
A 100-seat computer lab with computer-based testing has been set up. Railway employees will also receive training in new fields like artificial intelligence and data analytics.
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Focus on Skilled Workforce
South Eastern Railway General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra said the Railways is rapidly moving towards technology-based operations.
He stressed that improving employee skills is essential and added that similar training institutes will be developed across railway divisions to create a multi-skilled workforce.
Mishra said redevelopment of Tatanagar Railway Station under the Gati Shakti programme is progressing quickly.
The new station building is expected to be completed within two-and-a-half years, which will improve passenger facilities. Yard remodelling work is likely to begin in May to improve train movement and punctuality.
Rail Line Expansion Plans
Several rail expansion projects have been approved to reduce congestion.
These include:
- A fourth rail line between Kharagpur and Howrah
- Additional lines in the Gamharia–Chandil section
- The third line between Adityapur and Kharagpur, expected to be completed by May
These projects aim to separate freight and passenger traffic, improving efficiency and reducing delays.
Partnership with XLRI
Indian Railways has also partnered with XLRI Jamshedpur to provide specialised training in management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
This is the first such collaboration in the South Eastern Railway zone, with XLRI faculty directly training railway staff.
Steps to Reduce Train Delays
Railway officials said congestion due to shared tracks for freight and passenger trains is a major reason for delays.
They added that ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects will help improve operations and ensure smoother train services in the future.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials, including DRM Tarun Huria and Senior DCM Aditya Chaudhary, marking an important step in railway development in the region.
