Reacting to the Union Railway Budget , Harsh Dhingra, Chief Country Representative, India, Bombardier Transportation, stated that the rail budget is a win-win for the commuters and the industry.

Hailing the inclusive approach showcased in the Railway Budget by the Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu, he said that the Rail Budget 2016-17 clearly outlines the path and focusses on safety which is one of the most important priorities for the rail operators in India and the industry players.

The Budget highlights the outlaying of investment opportunities, introduction of new fund, improving money allocation in priority areas, and innovative financing models to transform the rail experience for Indian commuters.

"Bombardier is exploring various projects in India which are strategic for our local operations and are pleased with the actions taken to increase train speeds, upgrade existing rail infrastructure with increased track capacity, improve passenger comfort and technology innovations,'' he said.

The Budget has reinforced commitment to private sector with new initiatives and with a clear direction to involve the industry players for transforming rail transportation in India.

Efforts to increase speed and improving the electrification of current lines is very encouraging which will require improvement in signalling systems, where Bombardier will keenly follow with a focus on Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), he said.

Setting up of dedicated freight corridors is very encouraging as it will increase freight revenues for railways along with increased demand for Bombardier to supply rolling stock, rail equipment and signalling systems, Harsh Dhingra said.

Reinforcement on public private partnerships (PPP) is gaining momentum with the award of recent projects and gives reassurance to the private sector.

From the days of chronic under investment to focus on improving rail infrastructure in the country, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience is really encouraging for Bombardier, he said.

With focus on creating or overhauling the suburban rail network across Indian cities, Bombardier will keenly follow projects under rolling stock, rail equipment and signalling systems.

This is a very positive budget that can build momentum for significantly reformed railways in the years to come.

In terms of transforming ways to operate, Bombardier clearly sees that railways wants to objectively review and focus on life cycle costs rather than the capital cost of procurement.

Bombardier is one of the major global suppliers for commuter and intercity trains along with semi-high speed (upto 200 kms p/h) and high-speed trains (from 250 to 380 kms p/h) across the world.

With stress on Make in India, Bombardier is one of the few rail companies in India which is supporting Indian Government’s Make in India campaign. Bombardier Transportation is not only making rail products and solutions for the Indian market which are manufactured in India but also delivering it for exports from India. .

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