Rly Ministry to rope in NID for coach redesign 

Ministry of Railways is planning to redesign rail coaches for better comfort to the passengers. The Ministry of Railways has initiated discussions with Ahmedabad-based National Institute of Design (NID) for the same, informed Union Railways Minister, Suresh Prabhu here on Saturday.

"We are talking to National Institute of Design (NID) for improvement in internal design of the rail coaches so as to provide better facilities to the passengers," said Prabhu after flagging off two express trains from Ahmedabad railway station.

The two trains included Ahmedabad - Chennai and another towards Ahmedabad- Darbhanga.

Prabhu expressed concerns about the weak financial condition of the Indian Railways, hence called for greater participation from states to meet investments for Railway infrastructure. He maintained that if properly developed, the railways alone can contribute about 2-3 per cent to the GDP Growth of the country.

"With the population increasing and people travelling more across cities for business and other purposes, the economy is growing and so is the Indian Railways' responsibility to cater to the growing needs. To meet these needs, Railways need to invest heavily, especially in the areas of technology, security and various facilities for commuters. Moreover, delays in travel also need to be improved," he said.

"It is not only the Ministry of Railways that will invest but we will also involve other states to bring in investment... We have decided to form a joint venture company with Government of Gujarat to bring investment in railways in the state," the minister added.

After the flag-off of the two trains and launch of the public Wi-fi facility at Ahmedabad junction, Prabhu headed to meet the Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel to discuss about the integrated transport system.

"The way urban population is increasing, we will have to look at integration of the current transport system in the country's major cities. Integrated transport planning is imperative for us today. We will be discussing this matter with the Gujarat chief minister," he said.

The minister would also discuss about the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train service. The Railway ministry has roped-in a Japanese company, to work on the feasibility study for bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. "The study will be conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Railways and the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra... The study will only be completed after the budget," he said.