Updated Oct 30, 2024 06:14 IST
In the financial year 2023-24, Indian Railways laid more than 5100 km of new tracks which is equivalent to the entire rail network of Switzerland. (Image: Ministry of Railways/iStock/ETNOW.in)
Indian Railways: Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) of the Swiss Confederation to enhance technical cooperation between the two nations. The renewed MoU was signed formally through video conferencing.
Highlighting the MoU’s advantages, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the agreement will benefit Indian Railways in various areas including technology, track maintenance, management, and construction, emphasizing the government’s commitment to advancing and modernization of the national transporter.
On the other hand, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal DETEC Albert Roesti explained how Switzerland’s advanced Railway technology could prove advantageous for India. He said that Switzerland’s advanced railway technology will benefit the Indian Railways by improving operational efficiency, safety standards, service quality, and railway infrastructure development.
Indian Railways-Swiss Railway Collaboration
The original MoU, signed on August 31, 2017, was valid for five years and focused on several key areas of collaboration such as traction rolling stock, Electric Multiple Units (EMU) and train sets, freight and passenger cars, and tilting trains. The move will further enhance the efficiency and reliability of railway services in the country, ultimately benefiting passengers and freight operations alike. Notable companies will supply machinery, materials, and tunneling consultancy services.
Indian Railways-Swiss Railway Partnership: Formation of Joint Working Group
Meanwhile, a Joint Working Group (JWG) was formed to facilitate collaboration between representatives of Indian Railways and Swiss Railways. The JWG convened two meetings before signing the MoU to explore primary areas of discussion — Freight and Passenger Cars, Railway Electrification Equipment, Railway Station Modernization, and Tunneling Technology.
Indian Railways Advancement
In the financial year 2023-24, Indian Railways laid more than 5100 km of new tracks which is equivalent to the entire rail network of Switzerland. The national transporter has targeted to add 5,500 km of new track this year.
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