A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bi-lateral cooperation in railways, comprising world class stations, signalling, enhancing safety measures and introduction of high speed trains and personnel training was signed today in New Delhi by India and France with the purpose of benefiting railway sector of both the countries.
The MoU was signed by R.K. Goyal, Additional Member Planning, Indian Railway Board and Jean-Pierre Lubinox, Chairman & Managing Director, SNCF International (French Railways) in the presence of Minister of State for Railways, Naranbhai Rathwa and the visiting Minister of State for Transport, Government of France, Dominique Bussereau.
The agreement will be applicable initially for a period of three years, liable to be extended later. Railway Board chairman K C Jena said the period will be utilised for the mutual beneficial cooperation between the railways of the two countries.
According to the MoU, a Steering committee comprising two representatives of each country will be set up to meet alternatively in Paris and in New Delhi. Guidelines are also set for the Steering committee to focus on issues for strengthening and promoting technical cooperation between the two countries. The bilateral cooperation will be focussed on line capacity, safety, maintenance and upgrading of tracks and structures, signalling, telecommunications, power supply, information technology, training, high speed rail projects and regional and urban development.
“India and France cooperate in a number of spheres and there are a number of areas where Indian Railway can benefit by cooperation with the French Railways,” said the Rathwa, Minister of State for Indian Railway.
“Our priority will be increasing security measures, safety telecommunications, fire prevention, locomotives, the introduction of high-speed trains and staff training,” said Bussereau, the visiting French Minister of State for Transport.
Apart from France, the Indian Railways also have agreement with the Railways of Austria, Russia, South Africa, China, Germany, and Italy.
The new agreement is expected to reach Indian Railways to a new height. Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav already working hard to promote Railways and with his effort the Railway has overcome from the fiscal deficit to a revenue generating sector. The Indian Railways have earned recorded $6.3 billion for the financial year 2007-08, which is being expected to surpass in the current financial year.
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