Indian and Italian Railways sign MoU to set up Joint Working Group
New Delhi, Jul 4 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, on a fortnight-long official visit to European countries to study their rail systems, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) for identifying rail projects of mutual interest.
The JWG, comprising three representatives from both the countries, will identify projects of mutual interest and share information regarding ongoing research and development in various fields of railways, including operation, maintenance, safety and security.
The MoU, signed between the Italian Railways and India's Railway Ministry in Rome yesterday, will provide an institutionalised and structured exchange of information in different areas, including a platform for Indian Railways to receive the latest technological advancement.
Mr Prasad undertook the journey from Rome to Naples, a distance of 210 km, in a high speed train with a speed of 310 km per hour.
During the journey, he also travelled in the engine of the train to learn about its functioning.
The Railway Minister also met Italian Infrastructure Minister Antonio Dietro this morning and briefed him about the turnaround in the Indian Railways without increasing fare or freight rates during the last two years. In particular, he talked about the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridors that would revolutionise freight buisness through railways.
Mr Prasad, while extending an invitation to Mr Dietro to visit India at a convenient date, proposed that Italian companies should join hands with IRCON and RITES for joint bidding in the field of construction and consultancy in other countries.
He also invited a railway team from Italy to visit India in August to achieve further progress in implementing the MOU reached between the two countries.
Mr Prasad, who had already visited Britain and France, will be proceeding to Hanover, Germany later today.
UNI/SKS VD HT1752