(a) whether any agreement has been entered into with European Country (ies) by the Government for running of semi- high speed trains in the near future;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) the modalities/action plan worked out in the matter; and
(d) the estimated cost and time required for its coming into operation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) to (d): Among European countries, Ministry of Railways have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with SNCF(French Railway) and Czech Railway in February, 2013 and August, 2014 respectively. Speed raising on existing tracks is one of the areas cooperation therein.
An execution study for speed raising on existing tracks on Delhi-Chandigarh section to 200 kmph has been undertaken in cooperation with SNCF (French Railway) on cost sharing basis. The estimated cost and timeframe for execution of semi high speed trains project has not been finalized.
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