Indian Railways has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, and Communications (DETEC) of Switzerland. This partnership aims to strengthen technical cooperation, modernize railway infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency. Approved by India’s Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of External Affairs, the MoU was formalized via video conference.
Key Highlights of the MoU Signing Ceremony
Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized that this MoU will establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration. The agreement focuses on crucial areas like technology exchange, track maintenance, and management, aligning with the government’s vision for a modernized Indian Railways.
Federal Councilor and Head of DETEC, Mr. Albert Roesti, highlighted that Swiss advancements in railway technology will contribute significantly to Indian Railways by improving safety, operational efficiency, service quality, and infrastructure development.
Background and Focus Areas of the MoU
The original MoU, signed on August 31, 2017, was valid for five years and targeted 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
Joint Working Group and Collaborative Efforts
To further cooperation, a Joint Working Group (JWG) was created to oversee projects between Indian Railways and Swiss Railways. Key meetings of the JWG took place on October 21, 2019, and August 30, 2022, focusing on:
- Freight and Passenger Cars
- Railway Electrification Equipment
- Railway Station Modernization
- Tunneling Technology
At the third JWG meeting held on October 11, 2023, then Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, alongside Mr. Peter Füglistaler, Director of the Federal Office of Transport in Switzerland, outlined potential investment opportunities for Swiss firms in India’s expanding railway sector.
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Benefits of the India-Switzerland Railway Partnership
This collaboration is expected to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of Indian Railways, benefiting both passengers and freight services. Through this MoU, Swiss companies will provide essential machinery, materials, and tunneling consultancy to support ongoing Indian Railways initiatives.
The signing event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Shri Mridul Kumar, Ambassador of India to Switzerland, and Mr. Albert Roesti, Federal Councilor and Head of DETEC.
