New Delhi: Indian Railways has formalized its partnership with the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, and Communications (DETEC) of Switzerland by signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw and Albert Roesti, Excellency Federal Counsellor and Head of Federal Department of the Environment, Transport and Communications of the Swiss Confederation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance technical cooperation between Indian Railways and Swiss Railways today.
The renewed MoU was signed formally through video-conferencing.
Mr. Albert Roesti in his address explained how Switzerland’s advanced Railway technology could prove advantageous for India.
In his address, Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the advantages of the MoU for Indian Railways in various areas, including technology, track maintenance, management and construction, emphasising the Indian government’s commitment to advancing Indian Railways.
A Joint Working Group (JWG) was formed to facilitate collaboration between representatives of Indian Railways and Swiss Railways. The JWG convened two meetings prior to signing the MoU to explore primary areas of discussion, viz.
1. Freight and Passenger Cars
2. Railway Electrification Equipment
3. Railway Station Modernization
4. Tunneling Technology
At the third JWG meeting that was chaired by the then Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, alongside the Director of the Federal Office of Transport in Switzerland, the Indian side presented ongoing capital expenditure initiatives, highlighting significant investment opportunities in the Indian Railway sector for Swiss firms.
This partnership is set to enhance the efficiency and reliability of Railway services in India, ultimately benefiting passengers and freight operations alike. Notable companies will supply machinery, materials and tunnelling consultancy services.
Earlier, Mr. Mridul Kumar, Ambassador of India to Switzerland, presented Albert Roesti, with a shawl, symbolising the warmth of bilateral relations.
