Karnataka proposes Centre of Excellence for Railways and Mobility Innovation

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Karnataka’s Minister for IT & BT and Rural Development, Priyank Kharge, has proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to Railways and Mobility Innovation in the state. The initiative aims to position Karnataka as a national hub for smart rail and mobility technologies, strengthening collaboration between the tech industry, research institutions, and transport authorities.

Minister Kharge made the announcement during a recent meeting with senior officials and industry representatives, highlighting the need to leverage Karnataka’s robust IT ecosystem for the benefit of the railway and mobility sectors.

The proposed Centre of Excellence will focus on research and development (R&D) in advanced railway systems, automation, safety technologies, and sustainable mobility solutions. It is envisioned as a collaborative innovation hub that would bring together startups, academic experts, and government bodies under one platform.

Kharge emphasised that Karnataka has the potential to lead the way in integrating digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics into railway operations and urban transport systems. “We want to make Karnataka not just the IT capital but also a mobility innovation capital for India,” he stated.

Partnerships for Future-Ready Mobility

The proposed CoE is expected to work closely with Indian Railways, Metro Rail corporations, and industry leaders to accelerate indigenous innovation. This includes projects on predictive maintenance, cybersecurity, passenger experience, and green mobility.

Industry experts believe that Karnataka’s existing strengths — particularly in software development, data science, and engineering design — make it a natural choice for leading such an initiative. The CoE will likely be integrated within one of the state’s established technology clusters, such as Bengaluru or Hubballi-Dharwad.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, welcomed the initiative, saying:

“Karnataka’s proposal for a Centre of Excellence in Railways and Mobility Innovation is a visionary step toward building a digital-first and sustainable transport future. The convergence of IT, AI, and rail engineering can revolutionize how India designs, operates, and maintains its urban and intercity rail networks. Such initiatives will not only strengthen the state’s leadership in innovation but also accelerate the country’s journey toward smarter, greener, and more efficient mobility systems.”

A National Model for Smart Mobility

The move aligns with the Union Government’s broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, which emphasize indigenous technological development and innovation-driven infrastructure.

If implemented, the Karnataka CoE for Railways and Mobility could serve as a national model for technology-led transport transformation, fostering next-generation mobility startups, creating new employment opportunities, and enhancing India’s export potential in rail and transit technologies.