Ministry of Railways to rope in NID for redesigning train coaches

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

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

The two trains included Ahmedabad – Chennai and another towards Ahmedabad – Darbhanga. Prabhu expressed concerns about the weak financial condition of 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.

“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 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 the Gujarat government to bring investment into the 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 met Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel to discuss the integrated transport system.

“The way urban population is increasing, we will have to look at integration of the current transport system in major cities. Integrated transport planning is imperative for us. We will be discussing this matter with the Chief Minister,” he said.

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