Use ICT to modernise Indian railways: Dr Pitroda

Dr Sam Pitroda has suggested that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is key towards bringing in a substantial change in the Indian railways. He was speaking at the ‘International Railways Conference; Development of Indian Railways: Opportunities and Challenges’ organized jointly by the Indian Railways and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The one day conference was part of the 8th Indian Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2009 scheduled from August 24- 26 2009. It had a focus on bringing in private players and dealing with IPR concerns faced by small companies while presenting innovative equipments to the entity.
He stated that the existing political will on the part of the Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee should be captured by the industry and people. The modernization of the Indian railways should be aimed towards expansion, excellence and access.
Rajive Kaul, Past President CII & Chairman, Council for Trade Fairs, CII said that Indian Railways would be a significant buyer in times to come. He pointed towards the 11th Five year plan which has dedicated US$ 46 billion for railways.
Expressing view on the challenge faced by railways, Rajeev Jyoti, Chairman, Railways Equipment Division, CII stated the aspect of continuing with the growth momentum. He stressed on bringing in sustained modernization plan, state-of-the-art technology, innovative practices in land usage etc.
Naresh Aggarwal, Convenor IRC & Vice Chairman, Railways Equipment Division of CII said that the public and private sector of India should work together in bringing about a change in the sector. New initiative in building the rail systems should be brought in, he added.