Assocham hopes for focus on safety and modernisation of trains

LUCKNOW: The gover nment should not only focus more on safety and modernisation of trains, but also improve its environment friendly-schemes in the forthcoming Rail Budget, Assocham said on Thursday.

“More emphasis should be laid on safety measures, better maintenance and cleanliness. Substantial outlays should be earmarked for improvement of safety measures and infrastructure in the Indian Railways,” an Assocham press communiqué said. Besides, there should be improved technology to reduce accidents and anti-collision and fire fighting devices should be installed, it added, also laying stress on manning of all unmanned crossings. The body also suggested that specific railway equipment and service provider firms of those countries whose funding agencies- like JICA of Japan- are willing to play a role in Indian Railway Infrastructure development, should be encouraged to submit their proposals.

Development of hi-tech parts was also suggested. “There is need to have long term contracts with technology providers if indigenous technology has to be developed. This will enable the manufacturers to invest in technology, training and skill development,” it said, adding that surplus railway land should be developed in joint ventures and on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis with the private sector. “The Railways may provide land on both sides of the tracks for plantation of fast growing tree in cooperation with private sector as part of CSR activity to protect environment, increase green cover, and provide the much needed natural resources for paper and manmade yarn unit,” it added.

It also suggested that catering services should be provided in trains in contract basis.