Palakkad: The Indian Railways is undergoing drastic upgrade and overhauls on various fronts. It has invited innovative ideas and technical know-how to address basic issues the transport service provider has been facing. You can earn up to Rs 1.5 crore by offering smart ideas to the Railways.

Startups, researchers and MSMEs could provide solutions, according to the innovation policy Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on June 13.

The Railways is seeking effective solutions for about 160 issues, including straightening curves on railway tracks, maintenance works, development of basic infrastructure, innovative methods to check the strength of bridges, and designs for lighter freight wagons.

Of the issues, 11 have been uploaded on the website, https://innovation.indianrailways.gov.in/.

Those interested should register on the portal, and an expert panel would review the proposals received within 30 days.

Those selected ideas would win 50 per cent of the project expense, with a maximum ceiling of Rs 1.5 crore. The rights of the discovery would remain with the respective owner, said Trilok Kothari, Divisional Manager, Palakkad.