Why in news?
Indian Railways Probationers have planned a visit to Berlin to study the operations and engineering methods.
Why India has chosen Germany for its study on railways?
- For decades, Indian Railways has been maintaining close relationship with the Germans in terms of technology intake and business.
- India has posted a Railway Adviser in Germany, to conduct all railway related activities for India in Europe.
- The Linke Hoffman Busche (LHB) coaches used in India for passenger travel were exported from Germany
- Both Indian and German railways share broad similarities like using diesel as well as electric systems, using same tracks for freight as well as passenger trains and robust inter-city trains.
- Therefore to learn advanced techniques in terms of technology, efficiency and scale of operations, Indian officers have planned this visit.
What the prospects of this visit will be?
- India can formulate its grand station redevelopment plan by studying the Berlin’s main train station which is operating as a separate profit earning entity by commercially utilising the space.
- Understanding the high speed service of DB will be helpful for analysing the viability of such projects in India.
- Also, assessing the role of railways in public life and integration of both is crucial for developing plans in India.
- Lessons on global benchmark in customer satisfaction, punctuality, cleanliness, business strategies, is expected to improve the overall functioning of the Indian Railways.
Source: The Indian Express