Railways has set up a mechanism towards scientific and technical collaboration among major government agencies for development of special material for improving its rolling stock as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
The step has been taken for setting up a permanent mechanism of Standing Intra-Government Technical Collaboration Panel (SITCOP) to converge the government's internal capabilities to create better rolling stock for Railways with minimal foreign dependence in critical areas, said a senior Railway Ministry official.
The decision was taken at the first roundtable meeting chaired by Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha here which was attended by heads of ISRO, CSIR, DRDO, RDSO, Departments of Science and Technology and Defence Production.
It envisages developing systems for the Railways which are best suited to the country's local conditions and needs. Also, it would create a constantly evolving rolling stock technology development process to create exportable products like coaches, locomotive, wagons, cranes and special vehicles.
The official said the move will give impetus to creation of new technologies within the country and is a major boost for the 'Make in India' initiative.
The SITCOP will meet twice a year to review progress on collaborative projects assigned to inter-area action teams assigned by the body.
The official said the purpose behind constituting SITCOP is to reduce railways' dependence on other countries and create new technologies within India through an organised synergy between major government bodies in the field of scientific and technological research and production.
