Tech Mahindra to Launch PTC Training for Short Lines

Tech Mahindra will launch a subscription-based Positive Train Control (PTC) digital training program customized for employees of short line railroads in the U.S. for American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) members.

The offering joins a select group of ASLRRA-curated PTC vendors providing specific services for Class II and III railroads, made possible through a $2.5 million grant awarded by Federal Railroad Administration to assist short lines in meeting PTC deadlines.

The online learning platform will include multiple modules of interactive training followed by assessment and evaluation. Each module will be completed within 120 minutes. The modules will cover the statute-required training for those short line and regional railroads that need to equip with PTC, including train operations, dispatch, wayside, communications and the interoperability between various PTC systems.

The announcement comes on the heels of Tech Mahindra’s—a provider of digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering services and solutions—commitment toward creating future-ready sustainable solutions.

“We are happy to utilize our core competency of technology to improve the efficiency of the U.S. railroad industry and build a safer environment for citizens,” said Lakshmanan Chidambaram, President, America’s Strategic Verticals, Tech Mahindra. “Our customized digital training designed for ASLRRA will enable updating and implementation of training by an industry expert at a cost-effective price.”

“The implementation of PTC is a complex and costly project for the U.S. rail industry, including dozens of short line railroads,” said Chuck Baker, President, ASLRRA. “These small businesses have a complicated role to play, integrating with multiple Class I systems, and are challenged to implement with limited technical expertise and support. Tech Mahindra offers an easily accessible Web-based training program customized for short line railroads, giving our members confidence that they will be compliant with PTC training requirements.”