PM takes brief over Bullet Train and DFCC projects from CRB

PM takes brief over Bullet Train and DFCC projects from CRB

New Delhi:  With India and Japan likely to ink a pact on bullet train, the chairman railway board (CRB) Arunendra Kumar has briefed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on what the country should ensure in the agreement. The railways is seeking clear demarcation of responsibilities in building and operation of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed train.

The CRB on Tuesday had made a presentation in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the areas where Japan can support India. Sources said that the CRB briefed the PM on technicalities of the proposed bullet train project and the steps needed to be taken to execute the project. “India should ensure that there is a clear mention on who will be responsible for maintenance and operation of the bullet trains and coaches. Also, there should be a clear mention on where the bullet trains would be manufactured. Additionally, the railways is seeking that the project should be fully funded by the foreign agency,” sources said.

The first interim report of the exhaustive study being conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been submitted to the railways and the second is expected in November, while the final report would come in June 2015, the CRB told reporters on Wednesday. The CRB has also reportedly briefed the PM about the ongoing western corridor of the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) project, which is being built and funded with the assistance of JICA.