The Monash Institute of Railway Technology (Monash IRT) and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) have launched their first joint project. This initiative follows a 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 the collaboration with the DFCCIL will focus on improving the wheel-rail interface, supporting safety and long-term sustainability for India’s heavy-haul railways, reducing maintenance costs and extending 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,” 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,” Jeffrey said.

The Managing Director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation Limited, 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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