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The Indian Railways, known for its vast network and continuous modernization efforts, is poised to take a significant leap forward with the adoption of Swiss tunneling technology. In a move aimed at enhancing infrastructure, safety, and operational efficiency, the Indian Railways is forging partnerships with Swiss firms for tunneling works in key projects across the country.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently revealed plans for formal collaboration between Indian Railways and Swiss companies during a session in the Rajya Sabha. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) under consideration between the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy, and Communications (DETEC) of the Swiss Confederation and the Ministry of Railways underscores the intent to leverage Swiss expertise in various aspects of railway projects, including rolling stock, rail safety, and train scheduling.
One of the marquee projects set to benefit from this collaboration is the Rishikesh-Karan Prayag New Railway Line, covering a distance of 125 kilometers. Additionally, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), spanning 272 kilometers, is another significant project earmarked for the application of Swiss tunneling technology. These partnerships signify a strategic move by Indian Railways to tap into international best practices and innovative solutions for its ambitious infrastructure development agenda.
The proposed collaboration is not limited to tunneling alone but encompasses a spectrum of railway project aspects, including infrastructure development, safety enhancements, and operational improvements. The exchange of knowledge and expertise between Indian and Swiss counterparts is expected to drive innovation and efficiency in railway operations.
Responding to queries from BJP MP Vijay Pal Singh Tomar regarding measures to optimize existing technology through collaboration with Switzerland, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the pivotal role of the Hub-and-Spoke model and advanced tunneling technology. This acknowledgment highlights the Indian Railways’ commitment to embracing cutting-edge solutions to address complex infrastructure challenges.
The Hub-and-Spoke model, a hallmark of Swiss railway systems, is poised to revolutionize the way railway networks operate in India. This innovative design facilitates seamless connectivity by converging multiple train routes at central hubs, enabling passengers to switch between trains effortlessly. By adopting this model, Indian Railways aims to streamline passenger flow, enhance connectivity, and optimize resource utilization across its vast network.
Switzerland’s expertise in tunneling technology is another area of interest for Indian Railways. With notable achievements such as the world’s longest Gotthard tunnel spanning 57 kilometers, Switzerland offers invaluable insights and methodologies in tunnel construction and maintenance. By integrating Swiss tunneling techniques into its projects, Indian Railways seeks to expedite construction timelines, mitigate operational risks, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its infrastructure.
The Hub-and-Spoke design represents a paradigm shift in transportation planning, emphasizing the centralization of services for improved efficiency and accessibility. Central hubs serve as focal points for intermodal connectivity, enabling seamless transfers between different modes of transportation. Meanwhile, spokes radiate outward from the hub, linking it to various destinations and facilitating smooth transit operations.
While India has traditionally focused on establishing end-to-end connectivity, the adoption of the Hub-and-Spoke model marks a strategic shift towards optimizing network efficiency and enhancing passenger experience. By emulating Switzerland’s success in transportation planning, Indian Railways aims to modernize its infrastructure and align with global best practices in the railway sector.
The collaboration between Indian Railways and Swiss firms represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for railway modernization and innovation. By leveraging Swiss expertise in tunneling technology and adopting the Hub-and-Spoke model, Indian Railways aims to elevate its infrastructure standards, enhance operational efficiency, and provide passengers with a world-class travel experience. Through strategic partnerships and international cooperation, Indian Railways is poised to shape the future of transportation in the country and emerge as a global leader in railway innovation.
