core sector communique

Dr. C.P. Joshi for Strong Bilateral Cooperation with Austria in the field of Road and Rail Transportation A MoU Was Signed between India and Austria for Strengthening Long-Term Relationship and Bilateral Cooperation on Road Infrastructure and Road Transportation Technology Matter

The Minister of Railways and the Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Dr. C.P.Joshi and visiting Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation & Technology of Austria Mrs. Doris Burse signed A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strengthening long-term relationship and bilateral cooperation on road infrastructure and road transportation technology matters, at delegation level talks, here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Railway Minister said that Austrian companies have been involved in some major projects in India, both in Road and Railway projects. Starbag, a construction major have done a project in New Delhi and have secured a contract worth 83 million EUROs from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The company along with its Indian counterpart Afcons has jointly been awarded the Rohtang pass tunnel worth 250 million EUROs. Likewise Austrian company is designing a railway arch bridge in Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. C.P.Joshi said that Indian Railways envisage massive capacity augmentation, modernization and Safety enhancement plans in the coming decade. Some of the important initiatives include setting up of the Dedicated Freight Corridors, increased production and procurement of rolling-stock etc. and Indian Railways look forward to participation of Austrian side in realising these initiatives, he added. Dr. Joshi said that a Memorandum of Understanding regarding Technologies Specific Cooperation in the field of Railways was signed between the Ministry of Railways, India and Federal Ministry for Transport Innovation & Technology of Republic of Austria in October, 2011. He said that the areas of cooperation have been identified in the fields of Tunneling Technology, Training and upgrading of skills like a psychological qualification test for locomotive drivers, Track maintenance as well as track monitoring & mechanised laying of track, Signaling & Telecom and Traction and Rolling Stock. Under this MoU, both the sides have agreed to encourage and to establish a long term and effective relationship of communication and cooperation, including the exchange of information between both the sides concerning roads/highways infrastructure development, management, administration and road safety; the application of advanced technologies known as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to road transportation, and other areas of mutual importance related to road transportation technologies. Also present on the occasion, were Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinay Mittal, all Board Members and other senior officials of Railway Board, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Shri A.K.Upadhyaya as well as visiting delegates of Austria.