Rail India Forum: Connecting futures through PPP @2030 

I was honoured to participate as a speaker and moderator at the prestigious Indian Chamber of Commerce for Rail India Forum: Connecting futures through PPP @2030 in Delhi on the 23rd. Our discussions centered on transformative strategies and innovations poised to redefine the Indian Railways. Also for my panel, I had the privilege of presenting tokens of appreciation in recognition of their valuable contributions. [Check Speakers & Agenda – https://lnkd.in/dshUYW4R]

We explored modernizing Indian Railways through global best practices and policy reforms, focusing on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We emphasized adopting advanced technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The forum highlighted the need for strict safety standards via new technologies and infrastructure improvements, including innovative testing and certification methods. We also discussed advancements in rolling stock, electrification, and green initiatives, highlighting the role of international collaboration.

Indian government’s strategy is to revolutionize the nation’s railway system by an investment of ₹5.4 trillion by 2030. Establishing Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) over 2,800 km, modern station redevelopment projects, and the phase-out of older ICF coaches in favour of safer LHB coaches underscore a significant leap towards passenger safety and comfort. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, an indigenous marvel, showcases India’s commitment to innovation, offering an enhanced travel experience.

Railway advancements aim to enhance efficiency and passenger experiences through digital and signaling upgrades, focusing on sustainability with a net-zero emission target by 2030 and introducing 35 hydrogen trains, highlighting a comprehensive modernization with PPP support.

Additionally, the forum discucsed roles of rail in developed nations and the necessity for multilateral FDI. We acknowledged railways’ sustainability and role in decongesting roads, the potential of digitization to improve transit times and reliability, the innovative Kisan Rail for reaching the last mile, the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to support PPPs and modernization, and the pivotal role of Gati Shakti University in driving the modernization efforts of the railways.

The modernization drive seeks to transform Indian Railways into an efficient, safe, and user-friendly network, serving the needs of a rapidly growing economy and the population.

Some Glimpses of my session

Ministry of Railways, Government of IndiaGati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Jindal StainlessTexmaco Rail & Engineering LtdGR Infraprojects LimitedWestern Carriers (India) LimitedIndian Railways