New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark move to bolster its technological capabilities and infrastructure, Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport and Communications (DETEC) of the Swiss Confederation. This agreement, formalized via video conference, marks a significant step in enhancing technical cooperation between the two nations and was approved by both the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the MoU signing ceremony, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. He stated that the MoU provides a comprehensive framework for Indian Railways, focusing on technology sharing, track maintenance, management, and construction. “This partnership aligns with our government’s commitment to modernizing Indian Railways,” he added.
Mr. Albert Roesti, Federal Councilor and Head of DETEC, highlighted the benefits of Switzerland’s advanced railway technology for Indian Railways. He noted that this collaboration aims to improve operational efficiency, safety standards, service quality, and infrastructure development within the Indian railway network.
The original MoU was signed on August 31, 2017, and was valid for five years, focusing on several key areas of collaboration, including:
- Traction Rolling Stock
- Electric Multiple Units (EMU) and Train Sets
- Traction Propulsion Equipment
- Freight and Passenger Cars
- Tilting Trains
- Railway Electrification Equipment
- Train Scheduling and Operational Improvements
- Railway Station Modernization
- Multimodal Transport Solutions
- Tunneling Technology
Prior to the MoU signing, a Joint Working Group (JWG) was established to facilitate collaboration between Indian Railways and Swiss Railways. This group held two meetings to discuss key areas of cooperation, with sessions conducted on October 21, 2019, and August 30, 2022. The discussions focused on critical topics such as freight and passenger cars, railway electrification, station modernization, and tunneling technology.
The third JWG meeting, held on October 11, 2023, was chaired by the then Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, alongside Mr. Peter Füglistaler, Director of the Federal Office of Transport in Switzerland. This meeting showcased ongoing capital expenditure initiatives, presenting significant investment opportunities in the Indian railway sector for Swiss companies.
This strategic partnership is poised to enhance the efficiency and reliability of railway services in India, ultimately benefiting passengers and freight operations alike. Notable Swiss companies are expected to contribute machinery, materials, and tunneling consultancy services, furthering the goals of modernization and improved service delivery.
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including Shri Mridul Kumar, Ambassador of India to Switzerland, and Mr. Albert Roesti, underscoring the importance of this international collaboration for the future of Indian Railways. This MoU not only signifies a commitment to technological advancement but also reinforces the strong bilateral ties between India and Switzerland in the field of rail transport.