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.
