The present Railway Minister of India is Piyush Goyal. He took charge of the Ministry of Railways on September 3, 2017. Piyush Goyal is a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been actively involved in various roles within the Indian government.

Piyush Goyal's Background
Piyush Goyal was born on June 13, 1964, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He completed his schooling from Don Bosco High School in Matunga, Mumbai. He then pursued his Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics. Later, he received his Chartered Accountancy degree from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Political Career
Piyush Goyal joined politics and became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He held various positions within the party, including the National Treasurer. In 2014, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

Contributions as Railway Minister
Piyush Goyal has made significant contributions to the Indian Railways during his tenure as the Railway Minister. Some of his key initiatives and achievements include:

1. Infrastructure Development:
- Implementation of the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridor project to enhance freight transportation capacity.
- Modernization and upgradation of railway infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency.
- Focus on the development of high-speed rail networks, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.

2. Safety Measures:
- Implementation of various safety measures to prevent accidents and mishaps.
- Introduction of advanced signaling systems and train collision avoidance technologies.
- Strict monitoring and auditing of railway tracks and bridges to ensure their structural integrity.

3. Digital Transformation:
- Embracing digital technologies to enhance passenger experience and streamline operations.
- Launching initiatives such as e-ticketing, mobile applications, and online booking systems.
- Integration of technology for real-time train tracking and passenger information.

4. Clean Energy Initiatives:
- Promoting the use of renewable energy sources in railway operations.
- Installation of solar panels on rooftops of railway stations and powering trains with solar energy.
- Adoption of energy-efficient practices to reduce carbon emissions.

Conclusion
Piyush Goyal, as the present Railway Minister of India, has been instrumental in driving various reforms and initiatives to transform the Indian Railways. His focus on infrastructure development, safety measures, digital transformation, and clean energy initiatives has brought about significant improvements in the railway sector.