Birmingham rail experts partner with India for new research centre

RAILWAYS experts from the University of Birmingham will work with India’s National Rail and Transport Institute of India (NRTI).

The British university joined hands with NRTI to establish a new research centre to support, develop and deliver hi-tech transport systems that improve journeys for people across India.

The centre of excellence on next-generation transportation systems will see British and Indian experts working together to identify common research interests and data, which will allow them to produce world-leading and impactful joint research.

Both organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreeing to identify joint research interests, and support the development of education programmes that will help produce future transport leaders and world-leading research.

Chairman of Railways Board and Chancellor of NRTI Vinod Kumar Yadav and Professor Clive Roberts, Head of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) at the University of Birmingham, signed the agreement.

BCRRE already has strong links with the NTRI, having been involved in the framework for the establishment of the institute in 2018.

The updated MOU solidifies this relationship and supports the development of programmes of education at NRTI.

Professor Roberts said: “Signing this MoU further strengthens our links with the National Rail and Transport Institute of India. Through this partnership, we are pleased to be able to contribute to the development of railway education and research, and we look forward to working together more closely.”

Chairman of Railways Board and Chancellor of National Rail Transport Institute Vinod Kumar Yadav commented: “We are pleased to sign this MoU with the University of Birmingham to set up the National Rail University’s first centre of excellence called next generation transportation systems that will develop research and training for transport professionals in this country.”

The University of Birmingham has a number of significant partnerships in India, underpinned by its India institute, which aims to increase the visibility, impact and coherence of Birmingham’s engagement in the country.