India has sought greater cooperation from Austria for modernisation and capacity building of rail infrastructure in the country. A pact was signed in New Delhi to this effect today between Road Transport and Highways, Dr.C.P. Joshi and his Austrian counterpart Doris Burse. The agreement provides for enhancing railway safety plan apart from exchanging know-how and share technical expertise in road infrastructure including electronic management of traffic and toll collection. Speaking to reporters after signing the agreement, the Minister of Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Dr.C.P. Joshi said that augmenting railway infrastructure includes setting up of dedicated freight corridor and increased production and procurement of rolling stock. He said, New Delhi is also seeking Austrian expertise in tunnelling work to expand the road network particularly to remote areas.

Addressing a joint press conference with visiting Austrian Minister in New Delhi this morning, Urban Development Minister Mr. Kamal Nath said that ultra modern facilities including integrated transport system, broadband and carbon neutraliser will be put in place for setting up smart cities across the country. For this Austria will extend support to India, Mr. Nath said.

Urban Development Minister who held discussions with the visiting Austrian Minister for Transport Innovation and Technology said that two such cities will be created in every state annually under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.