The University Of Wollongong (UOW), Australia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) to establish a mutually beneficial collaboration, paving the way for a wide range of research, teaching and consultation activities. UOW will play a key role in meeting India’s urgent need for additional rail freight transport capacity.
India’s rapid economic growth has created a huge demand for dedicated freight corridors along its eastern and western routes. And, under this signed agreement, UOW will help India expand its rail freight corridor.
The MOU was signed by University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, and Anurag Sachan, Managing Director, DFCCIL.
According to Professor Wellings, “The MOU would expand the co-operative relationship already developed between the University and the DFCCIL and recognize the world-class expertise UOW has established in this area.”
Further, he adds, “The staff and students from both organisations would mutually benefit including academic visits for research, lectures and consultation; joint teaching programs; joint research activities; and participation in joint international conferences, seminars and workshops.”
In July this year, UOW gave a presentation to DFCCIL on the advancements of heavy haul track technologies. It was presented by UOW’s distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna, who will lead the collaboration relationship on behalf of the University.
DFCCIL will facilitate staff and student exchanges through its upcoming Heavy Haul Rail Research Institute (HHRI). The joint research programs will be facilitated by UOW’s ITTC-Rail under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Indraratna.
The construction of the dedicated freight corridors across India will enable Indian Railways to improve its customer orientation and meet market needs more effectively. Also, it will drive the establishment of industrial corridors and logistic parks along its alignment.
