Urban mass transit system prime agenda of all states: LMRC MD

Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) managing director Kumar Keshav asserted that urban mass transit system was the prime agenda for all states and Metro would play a significant role in improving life of Lucknowites.

“Japan has been our role model for the advancement we desire to achieve in the Railway sector,” he said.

Kumar expressed these views at ‘Indian Railways Growth Engine of India: International Seminar on Modern Technologies in Railways’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in association with Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) on Friday.

It is being supported by LMRC with Japan as its partner country. The seminar was part of the second edition of InnoRail India 2016, an exhibition at the RSDO, Lucknow.

He stated the union government had announced to introduce Metro train in 50 cities by establishing a special purpose vehicle with state and union governments in equal partnership.

Keshav also released a report of the CII on Indian Railways which showcases the role Railways play in the growth of the nation.

Former general manager, Eastern Railway, GC Agarwal, said infrastructural development was crucial for economic growth of the nation.

“By 2050, there will be 100% urbanization, and for cities to accommodate such huge population, we are strategically moving towards high speed rail,” he said.

CP Sharma, chairman, CII InnoRail India 2016, highlighted the challenges and opportunities for Indian companies in high-speed rail and urban mass transportation. He exhorted companies to start focusing more on manufacture of railway-related products.

Rajesh Kumar, executive director, RDSO, explained how Indian Railways was working on its various high-speed and semihigh speed trains. He elaborated that Railways was serious about executing seven high- speed corridors project with Mumbai-Ahmedabad being the country’s first such corridor.

Liu Liangjie, director, Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Comoany Limited China, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers from Switzerland and Poland among other countries also shared their views. Over 150 participants from India and abroad attended the seminar.