SECUNDERABAD: Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), delivered the keynote address at the 68th Annual Day celebrations of the Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad. He lauded Indian Railways for its role in national growth, noting that association with the globally recognised IRISET is a “dream for many engineers.”
Dr. Narayanan highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement, projecting that it will soon facilitate real-time monitoring of all trains across the Indian Railway network. Emphasizing that communication is crucial for safe train operations, he noted that ISRO’s satellites are already playing a major role in providing the necessary communication support.
He also proudly referenced India’s recent space achievements, stating the country “has the best camera on the moon” and is the “first nation to achieve a soft landing on the lunar south pole.” Looking ahead, the Chairman confirmed that ISRO and Indian Railways plan to collaborate further on new technological initiatives in the coming years.
In a recorded message, Satish Kumar, Railway Board Chairman and CEO, reiterated that safety in train operations remains the paramount priority. He stressed the importance of fostering safe working habits among officers and supervisors, highlighting IRISET’s role in conducting numerous training programmes for both Railway personnel and private-sector professionals.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, General Manager of South Central Railway (SCR), urged IRISET to focus on two key areas: multi-skilling the workforce and improving the reliability of signalling and telecommunications assets.
The event underscored the strategic convergence of space technology and railway operations, setting the stage for future high-tech integration to enhance safety and efficiency in the world’s fourth-largest rail network.