Title - Indian Railways to sign MoU with German Railways

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is likely to sign an MoU with German Railways soon to pave the way for participation of companies based in that country in rail infrastructure development.

"Indian Railways and DBAG, German Railways had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation from 2006 to 2009. A fresh MoU between the two Railways is presently also under finalization," Railway Minister Mukul Roy said at a meeting with a visiting German delegation here today.

The delegation was headed by Peter Ramsauer, German Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Development.

Roy said India and Germany have strong cooperation and friendship in the field of Railway transport.

Referring to the past association, he said the German companies have earlier been involved in the procurement of LHB coaches and signalling equipment among others.

Highlighting the focus areas as enshrined in the Railways Vision-2020 document prepared during former Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee regime, Roy pointed out that the document has an ambitious plan on safety improvement, modernisation and capacity augmentation.

Roy hoped for active participation by German companies in Indian Railways' endeavours to achieve the goals of Vision-2020.

The major activities to be undertaken by railways include safety, Train Protection and Warning System, high speed, speed upgradation on existing network, station development, dedicated freight corridors, logistics parks and Public Private Partnership.