New Delhi, Delhi, India, 22 March 2017/News Voir//– Melbourne based Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) signed an agreement with DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited), astate-owned corporationin India to assist with the establishment of a new research and development institutein India. The agreement was signed on March 16, 2017 in New Delhi, India.
The research institute, SRESTHA (Special Railway Establishment for Strategic Technology & Holistic Advancement), will impact the entire Indian railways system, with the outcomes of the researches making some significant advancements in the field. SRESTHA aims to become a world leader in innovation for railway infrastructure. The institute will be engaging teams of top scientists and experts from the industry to analyse and innovate to create cutting edge technology. This project will also work in an advisory capacity to the Indian Railways on International models that can be adapted to the Indian railway ecosystem.
The move to create SRESTHA has been part of Indian Railway 2017 budget which put forward several technology-led initiatives for the improvement of railways and passenger amenities.
The institute, its core ideologies and focus will be created under the guidance and professional expertise of IRT. Accompanying the IRT on the advisory panel will be Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd. (BARSYL), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB).
The Director of the IRT, Ravi Ravitharan said, “That the partnership will help to advance railway technology both in India and around the world. He also added “I am extremely pleased to be invited along with our partners to assist with this significant project, which will support future research and technology development related to critical infrastructure for India. Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the world and this is a very important project not only for IRT but also for the State of Victoria and Australia.”
Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis congratulated Monash and DFCCIL on a collaboration that he said would benefit all parties involved.
“Victoria leads the country in research and development and it’s great to see Monash making partnerships that showcase our infrastructure expertise to the world.”
“This collaboration will not only help develop one of the world largest rail networks, it will further strengthen Victoria’s strong cultural relationship and business ties with India.”
Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) is the premier track and vehicle railway research centre in Australia. It provides efficient and practical solutions to the railway industry, creating linkages with people and institutions which deliver a range of mutual benefits in railway research and operations. IRT’s projects extend from heavy haul to mass transit, high speed, general freight and passenger systems.
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) was set up under the administrative control of Ministry of Railways to undertake planning & development, mobilization of financial resources and construction, maintenance and operation of the Dedicated Freight Corridors.
About the Trade and Investment Victoria Offices in India
The Victorian Government Business Offices in India provide an extensive range of support services for South Asian companies looking to do business in Victoria. The Bangalore office established in 2005 and Mumbai office in 2013 promote trade and investment in a number of key sectors including information and communication technology, tourism and associated direct air access, International education services, financial services and life sciences. Other priorities include promoting Victoria’s capabilities in infrastructure and construction, retail, logistics, food & fibre, sports and health sectors.
Monash University’s IRT Lends Support to Indian Railways
