National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited(NHSRCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) for Training & Certification and Advisory Services for construction of Track works for Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor (Under Package No. MAHSR-T-1, T-2 and T-3).  

The track packages for MAHSR project are now opened for participation by Indian Contractors with stipulation that the contractor’s workforce would undergo specialised technical training related to Shinkansen track technology, before the start of work at site.  The slab track system used for Shinkansen- high speed rail in Japan, is highly specialised and requires use of special machines. Similar system will be adopted for MAHSR project.   

As per the MoU, JARTS will provide training & certification (T&C) services (prior to start of works) and advisory services (during first execution). The services include preparation of training materials, classroom training and onsite training. The Track contractors will be required to execute separate service agreement with JARTS. The terms & conditions for service agreement has already been finalized and are part of MoU.  

This initiative will help in ‘Transfer of Technology’ and also upgrade the skill sets of Indian track engineers. This is also a step towards making India self-reliant in the field of construction of tracks for high-speed rail. Click in/85 for the tunnelbuilder archive and visit https://nhsrcl.in. 17/21.