Aus research centre enters into agreement with Indian railways

A Railway research centre in Australiahas entered into an agreement with the Indian Railways to support future research and technology development related to critical infrastructure in India.
Representatives from Monash University Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) and Indian Ministry of Railways corporation DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited) signed an agreement yesterday in New Delhi.
IRTwith partners -Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd (BARSYL),leading railway consultants in India, PwC, andIndian Institute of Bombay (IITB) were selected as the preferred supplier from a competitive global selection process.
They will provide guidance on the establishment of a new applied research and development institute in India known as SRESTHA (Special Railway Establishment for Strategic Technology & Holistic Advancement).

SRESTHA will be locally engaged, but have a global reach with the aim to become a world leader in the advancement of rail.
Significantly, the project will provide guidance to the Indian Railways on international models that will be adapted to the Indian railway environment.

IRTDirector Ravi Ravitharansaid the partnership will help advance railway technology both in India and around the world.
"I am extremely pleased to be invited with our partners to assist with this significant project, which will support future research and technology development related to critical infrastructure for India. Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the world and this is a very important project not only for IRT but also for Victoria and Australia," Ravitharan said.

IRTis the premier track and vehicle railway research centre in Australia.