Belgium to help India modernise railway stations

India and Belgium today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for bilateral co-operation for the effective development and modernisation of the railway sector in India, especially in the development of railway stations.

Visiting deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, foreign trade and European affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders and union minister of railways Mukul Roy signed the MoU today.

Indian Railways has identified stations for development to the international standards and signing of the MoU will specifically focus on this.

The Railways under former minister Mamata Banerjee had promulgated a Vision 2020 document for modernisation and development of major railway stations as vibrant centres of the life of cities for commerce, entertainment and social space.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukul Roy said that the MOU will usher in a new era of cooperation between two countries for effective development and modernisation of the railway sector. He said both Indian and Belgian railways will benefit with mutual consultation and exchange of information.

The MoU provides for knowledge sharing on design and current practices in the field of railway infrastructure and deputation of specialists and experts in areas of mutual interests. Belgium government owned companies like Euro Station and Immostar have vast experience in the field of development of stations in and outside Belgium.