Minister of Railways, Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, outlined India’s vision for transformative rail initiatives and sustainable infrastructure growth during discussions with global industry leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos.
The discussions at WEF 2025 focused on India’s approach to integrating international best practices and technology to achieve economic growth and sustainability. Vaishnaw held meetings aimed at enhancing collaborations with industry leaders and advancing India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
In a prelude to his engagements at Davos, Vaishnaw visited Zurich, where Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) presented advancements in infrastructure diagnostics. He also met Swiss experts to explore technologies for improving operational efficiency and safety within Indian Railways.
This was followed by a meeting with leading railway sector SMEs, including Rhomberg Sersa Ag, Selectron, Ucentrics, Autech, and nu Glass. These interactions focused on exploring potential partnerships and technology transfers, particularly in areas such as smart railway solutions and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Vaishnaw also met with Stadler Rail management and toured their manufacturing facility in St. Margrethen. Discussions centered on modernizing India’s passenger rail fleet with advanced engineering and manufacturing practices, including double-decker multiple-unit trains.
India’s presence at WEF 2025 aligns with its role as a global representative of the Global South, promoting collaboration and innovation. The India Pavilion showcased progress in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and technology partnerships, reflecting WEF 2025’s theme: “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.”
India is exploring solutions across WEF’s five focus areas: reimagining growth, industries in the intelligent age, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and rebuilding trust. Six Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh—are also participating in the forum.
–IANS
