'We Are Supporting Indian Railways’ Vision In Line With The Make-In-India Initiative': Siemens

Gunjan Vakharia, Head of Mobility Business, Siemens Limited speaks to Swarajya about supporting Indian Railways’ vision in line with the Make-in-India initiative.

Excerpts from the interview

Q. What is your vision of Siemens in rail sector ?

A: As a technology partner of Indian Railways, Siemens’ philosophy is aligned with that of Indian Railways. Siemens Mobility India is committed to the cause of nation building by enabling cost effective, comfortable and sustainable rail transport for social well-being and economic development.

This sense of purpose stands on the foundation of the three pillars of planet (greener railways for sustainable mobility), people (punctual, safer and comfortable train runs connecting people and hauling freight) and performance (optimised rail network throughput and higher asset availability for profitable growth).

Q. How do you perceive Indian market?

A: The Ministry of Railways under the Government of India made significant announcements during the year to modernise track infrastructure, enhance capacity and connectivity as well as improve safety and speed.

The focus has been on energy efficiency and passenger riding experience. All of this together formulates the National Rail Plan with a vision to develop capacity and infrastructure ahead of demand.

It aims to make policy interventions for adoption of innovations and new technologies for both passenger and freight transportation whilst driving sustainability goals of the Railways and the country as a whole.

The Mobility Business has been supporting the Indian Railways’ vision of complete electrification, enhanced haulage capability and building high-technology systems in line with the Make-in-India initiative.

Q. How India can benefit with your technology in rail sector?

A: Siemens Mobility India offers intelligent and efficient technologies and solutions for passenger and freight transportation covering the entire gamut of Rail infrastructure and Metro-Rail solutions.

We are constantly innovating our portfolio in core areas of rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, turnkey systems as well as related services.

With digitalisation, we are enabling mobility operators to make infrastructure intelligent and sustainable by enhancing system availability, maximising network capacity, optimising customer experience, and reducing life cycle costs.

Q. What Indian Railways should have done to modernise the system?

A. One of the biggest challenges is the rapid growth of urbanisation itself together with ensuring that the cities in India develop sustainably and equitably with the help of technology and data.

With intelligent urban development strategies that make smart cities real, India can play a lead role in implementing solutions that meet the challenge of the urban future.

We are working closely with the various metro operators and Indian Railways to deliver a triple win for the citizens of India, the Indian Railways and the Government of India.

Q. What are your upcoming future technology for emerging rail market?

A. The Ministry of Railways has been driving upgradation of technology and modernisation of infrastructure (track, signaling and telecommunication).

With the National Rail Plan 2030 setting the blueprint, investments are expected to further boost development of infrastructure and products under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Innovation through research, design, manufacturing and digitalisation will continue to be key drivers in transformation of Indian Railways.

We are working closely with our customers to deliver cost-efficient, green transportation enhanced with technologies for safer and reliable mobility with maximum availability.