Railway Tech Gains in India, Australia with New Pact
Monash University and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) will work together to advance railway technology in India and Australia.
Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Director of Monash Institute of Railway Technology, and Sri G D Bhagwani, Executive Director, Asset Management of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today alongside Mr Nathan Davis, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission South Asia, to cooperate in advancing research and training activities in railway engineering, specifically focusing on heavy haul railways.
Mr Nathan Davis, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission South Asia, Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Director of Monash Institute of Railway Technology, Mr Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL, Mr G D Bhagwani, Executive Director, Asset Management, DFCCIL.
The agreement commits the two institutions to develop and collaborate in future research and training through the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT). Additionally, they will investigate the opportunity for establishing a joint Centre of Excellence in Rail Maintenance including Wheel-Rail interface management.
Monash IRT will support the DFCCIL to enhance India’s railway infrastructure and dedicated freight corridors through collaborative translational research which will benefit Australia, India and their national railway systems. This partnership aims to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and support India’s economic growth.
Professor Ravi Ravitharan said this partnership will explore the potential for joint collaborative heavy haul projects based on their respective capabilities.
“Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) has played a vital role in transforming and supporting heavy haul railways in Australia, benchmarked now as a global leader, through advanced research and in providing technological solutions,” said Professor Ravitharan.
“This agreement between DFCCIL and Monash will support technical and research engagement which will benefit India’s new heavy haul railways ensuring their longevity, sustainability and improved efficiencies.”
Shri Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of DFCCIL, said they will work together to construct, maintain, and operate dedicated rail freight corridors across India and our railways substantially contribute to national development.
“We are looking forward to our partnership with Monash IRT and together making a significant difference to advancing railways in our nations through the development and application of smart technologies in our railways,” said Mr Praveen Kumar.
“We are very pleased to be also supporting and strengthening the strategic partnership between Australia and India through the signing of this MoU.”
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University said Monash IRT has a proven history of solving railway technical issues globally.
“Monash is a leading global research-intensive university, delivering research excellence with international impact to make a positive difference for the communities we serve, including in India, where we are deeply embedded,” said Professor Jeffrey.
“Monash is committed to strengthening ties with Indian businesses, ensuring that research and innovation directly address the shared challenges of both nations.”
The partnership between Monash IRT and DFCCIL extends Monash’s engagement with India, building on the existing research collaborations including with IITB through the IITB-Monash Research Academy, the Australia-India Critical Minerals Research Hub, and the Centre for Innovation on Environment and Intelligent Manufacturing with Tata Steel.
About Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT)
Since 2000, Monash IRT has worked with over 170 railway entities globally and on more than 700 translational research projects.
The Institute is the premier track and vehicle research centre in Australia and enjoys an international reputation for excellence in railway research. Internationally recognised researchers and practitioners join the IRT team, providing ‘whole of industry’ solutions to the expanded needs of railway advancement.
The Institute is renowned for its comprehensive and systematic approaches to problem solving using its team of experienced technical specialists.
About Dedicated Freight Construction Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL)
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a public sector undertaking
under Ministry of Railways (MoR), Government of India was incorporated as a schedule A
company under the Company’s Act 1956 on 30th October 2006 for implementation of
Dedicated Freight Corridor Project.
The coverage of Eastern Corridor is from Ludhiana to Sonnagar of 1337 Km route length
and Western Corridor is from Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai to Dadri near Delhi with
linkage at New Dadri of 1506 Route Km. Presently 93% of DFCCIL network is in operation.
https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/new-strategic-partnership-will-advance-railway-technology-in-india-and-australia