India, Japan cooperation in rail safety makes further headway

New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): Railway Minister Piyush Goyal along with Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) and other Board Members on Tuesday met Japanese delegation comprising members of terms of reference (TOR) mission and members from the rail related industries over incidents of rail breakage and suggested measures to improve safety in train operations.

The round table discussion on railway safety and conventional railways was held with following agenda; Accident Investigation, Track, Railway safety management, Locomotives and others.

Presentations were made by Japanese Industries on their capability in the field.

In addition issues of Station Development, Security Systems and Modal shift from truck to rail in transporting new cars and trucks was also discussed.

Responding to Ministry of Railway's request, MLIT deputed a team of Japanese Railway experts to India to assess incidents of rail breakage and suggest measures to improve safety in train operations.

The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Railway safety was signed on February 17 between Ministry of Railways (GoI) and MLIT, Japan.

The MoC envisages cooperation in rail safety on area such as maintenance of Track (welding, rail inspection, track circuit etc.) and rolling stock maintenance. Meanwhile, 'Capacity Development' has been taken as a Technical Cooperation project under the MoC to develop Indian Railways' capacity in respect of the above identified areas. These areas have been incorporated in the Terms of Reference of cooperation.

A Mission from Japan comprising representatives of Japan's MLIT, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and railway operators etc. are visiting India from October 30 to November 2.

Japanese delegation was headed by Japanese Ambassador in India H.E. Kenji Hiramatsu.

During this occasion, a roundtable discussion was held with the Japanese delegation.

Ministry of Railway stressed on the total safety management. They also mentioned that Indian Railway is striving for 'zero accident regime'.

Japanese Ambassador in India H.E. Kenji Hiramatsu assured for full cooperation in this area based on the expertise available in Japanese Railways and Industry.

Japanese Railways is one of the oldest Rail system in the world. Japan is the pioneer in the High Speed Rail 'Shinkansen'. Japanese Railways has an impeccable record with Safety. Ministry of Railways (GoI) had requested Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for technical cooperation in Rail Safety. (ANI)