Transport ministers from India and Austria have signed an agreement which aims to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Indian Railways Minister, C.P Joshi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ms Doris Burse, Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation & Technology of Austria, to build a long-term relationship and bilateral cooperation on rail, road infrastructure and transportation technology matters.
Speaking on the development, Joshi said: “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 and mechanised laying of track, signaling & telecom and traction and rolling stock.”
Indian Railways is looking forward for Austrian participation in massive capacity augmentation, modernisation and safety enhancement plans of railways in the coming decade, which includes setting up of the dedicated freight corridors, increased production and procurement of rolling-stock, the minister said.
Austrian companies have already been involved in some railway and road projects in India.
Construction firm Strabag has completed a project in New Delhi as well as securing a contract worth €83 million from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
“An Austrian company is designing a railway arch bridge in Jammu & Kashmir,” Joshi added.
Chairman of the Railway Board, Vinay Mittal, all Board Members and other senior officials, as well as visiting delegates of Austria, were also present.
