PIB reported that Mr CP Joshi Calls Upon to Enhance Cooperation by Sharing of Best Practices and Technologies in Road, Transport Sector and Railways
The visiting Head of the Department (Federal Councilor) for Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Ms Doris Leuthard of Switzerland (Swiss Confederation) called on the Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Railways, Government of India, Mr CP Joshi. The two sides were accompanied by their respective delegations.
Welcoming the Swiss Federal Councilor and her delegation, Mr CP Joshi said that given the prevailing tough global economic environment, it’s heartening that the economic and commercial relations between the two nations have acquired momentum. Our bilateral trade has been heading upwards for the last five years and stands at over USD 4.5 billion. Still, there are potentials and effort should be made to optimize them.
Referring to the Indian’s Road Sector, Mr Joshi said that India has the world’s second longest road network of over 4.236 million kilometers of which 76,818 kilometers is National Highways. The Government of India has embarked upon a massive programmed of upgrading its National Highways. Our National Highway building programmed envisages investment of about USD 70 billion over the next five years. He added that there is great opportunity and immense potential in developing sustainable transport infrastructure.
Mr Joshi said that varied geographical features and climatic conditions of India require different technology for constructing highways and expressways. India intends to take up mega projects of longer length. Work of about 400 kilometers to 500 kilometers is estimated to cost about USD 1 billion each. He added that India seeks increased participation of Swiss contractors/concessionaires in its endeavor to have a world-class infrastructure.
Referring to the existing contribution of Swiss companies in India’s road sector, He said that the Swiss consultancy company, M/s Renardet SA is working satisfactorily as Supervision Consultant in JV with Indian Consultants for total 12 road packages out of which 7 road packages have been completed and rest are under implementation.
He further added that India is looking for modern technology and technical expertise in construction, operation and development of highways. He added that Intelligent Transport System including electronic toll collection information technology based solutions to Traffic Management, Traffic Law enforcement; Road Safety and Highways administration are being sought by us for cooperation.
Source - PIB
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