PPP / JV Projects :

• In view of high recognition of Railways to look at private partnership for critical project development, the Public-Private business model should facilitate a win-win situation for both partners. An ideal situation could be that the two sides synergize on mutual strengths in which "technology and management" is from the Private Sector & "operations and social infrastructure development" is from Railways.

• It is expected that the "Terms & Conditions" of the Electric & Diesel Locomotive Plant at Madhepura & Marhowra would be reviewed to bring them in line with the Global practices. This will facilitate active participation from Global players.

Technology Upgradion :

• Indian Railways need to make significant investments to focus on technological up-gradations on initiatives such as:

a) Rolling Stock :

• Suburban EMU’s for Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai & other metro cities need to be technologically upgraded with state of the art Propulsion systems which are energy efficient. The need is not only for technology up-gradation but for quantity enhancement since the current stock is of a very high age profile.
• Upgrading the existing traction system with newer devices and technologies to address obsolescence.

b) Signaling Area:

• Automatic Block Signaling: This would immensely increase the line capacity without going in for any additional third line and also enhance the safety.
• TPWS (Train Protection & Warning System): TPWS provides following functionalities as "Automatic braking" in case of train passing the Red Signal, Continuous supervision of train speed and automatic braking in case of speed exceeds the allowed limit. This will prevent accidents.
• Train Management System (TMS): TMS provides benefits as Centralised display of train running in the Control Room, Passenger Information and Display System, Management Information Systems (train punctualities, fleet management etc.) and improves decision making for traffic controllers, specially in situation of crisis.
• Increasing competitiveness of Railways with Road transportation (for freight movement) and with low cost airlines (for passenger movement for short distance connectivity).
• For the former, the execution of the DFC should be on a fast track and for the latter segment, High Speed Train corridors should get into an implementation mode.

Improve Interface between Indian Railways & Suppliers :

• There is a need for a formal mechanism for Railways and suppliers to facilitate regular interaction focused on simplification of procedures to support rapid project execution. Various impediments which occur during order execution need to be removed. Matters related to policy & strategy should be jointly evolved with industry on a transparent basis.

A proactive approach will significantly improve rail operations.

Mr. Rajeev Jyoti, President & Managing Director, Chief Country Representative, Bombardier Transportation India