As part of the agreement, through the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, India will focus on promotion of its two key drivers: ‘Make in India’ & ‘Transfer of Technology’. The amalgamation of Japan’s technology and India’s expertise in creating world-class parts can prove to be a boon for the project. As part of Transfer of Technology (ToT) aspect of the project, for the parts that are to be made in India, Japan will share their blueprints and methodology behind their creation with their Indian counterparts. Further then, India, under the ‘Make in India’ scheme, will then replicate and recreate these elements related to the project as per the terms of the plan. It is through the promotion of these two drivers that India will set up manufacturing facilities in the country, generate new jobs, upgrade the skills of its existing workforce, give a boost to allied industries (steel, cement, electrical components & infrastructure etc.) and get a toehold on the new and upcoming technologies being used by Japan.

If we go by the numbers, it is estimated that the project can spur growth and create employment opportunities with up to 20,000 during the construction phase, 4,000 direct employment in maintenance & operations & another estimated 20,000 indirect jobs. Not only this, the project is also expected to boost social development along the route. Moreover, the trickle-down effect of the project can be understood from the fact that by setting up production bases across the country, its effect will spill over and open avenues for creation of logistic hubs, modern townships, industrial units and much more.

For the success of any project, discussion, collaboration, exchange of ideas and execution form a vital aspect. Since, the aim of the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is also to showcase India being at the forefront of technology and at par to build international standards of engineering and service, no stone is being left unturned to create an entire ecosystem of high performance through proper planning. Here’s looking at few key action points that have been taken so far under MAHSR project guidelines to meet the ‘Make in India’ objectives.

• Frequent deliberations with regards to action required to meet the “Make in India” objectives of MAHSR project is being held under the convenorship of key stakeholders like Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) & Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

• Timely & regular discussions and meets are held among the 4 key sub-groups, namely Track, Civil, Electrical & S&T, and Rolling Stock; to identify potential items and sub-systems of ‘Make in India’ and take immediate action as and when required. These groups constitute of senior representatives from Indian industry, Japanese industry, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), NHSRCL and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation).

The discussion criterion that is being followed to further the ‘Make in India’ component of the agreement and promote collaboration between Indian & Japanese companies can divided into 3 broad categories:

1. Sub Group Meetings-

   These are attended by representatives from Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Railways, National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), MLIT, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Japanese Embassy, Japan Railway East (JRE), Indian Industry representatives including representatives form Industry associations like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and  The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) among others.

2. Workshops:

   Regular workshops are being organised, in India & Japan, for the various stakeholders involved in the project. These day long workshops are advertised well-in advance to ensure complete participation from the existing partners as well as to invite potential investors and interested firms. The workshops are being followed by B2B meetings and discussions as a platform for interaction between Indian and Japanese firms. In recent times, a workshop was organised in Tokyo which concluded with Japanese firm visit by Indian firms the next day.

3. Task Force Meetings:

   The purpose of these meetings is to check on the progress of the plans already implemented and also discuss the road ahead with regards to the project. At a recent meeting held in DIPP, a review on the progress of sub group meetings and workshops was done alongside finalisation of the action plan for the future. These review meetings were attended by representatives from DIPP, Ministry of Railways, NHSRCL, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), JETRO, Japanese Embassy, and JRE among others.

• OHE Steel Mast

• Rail Turnover Prevention Device

• Embedded Inserts

• Cement Asphalt Mortar (CAM)  

Besides these, there will be many more items in the list which will be made in India and used extensively during the making of India’s first High Speed Rail. Efforts are constantly being made to identify the need at this stage and align sources for the implementation of the same.  The details of which are extensively available on NHSRCL’s website.

The project will certainly be a new feather in the cap of India Inc. For a growing nation like ours, years there can be no better news than a spurt of economic activities happening across sectors.  Japanese firms are welcome to set up partnerships, manufacturing bases in India. Indian firms should avail this opportunity for technical upgradation. They would also have access to the big and growing Indian Railways and Metro Railway market. Lower cost of production in India will make Japanese product cost competitive for exports to other countries. Along with the Japanese, India too stands to gain by assimilation of better technology, manufacturing and construction practices. Thus, it is win-win proposition for both the countries! For more information related to Make in India’ aspect of Bullet Train Project follow us on: nhsrcl.in

Bibliography:

1. https://bit.ly/2WI2Df0
2. https://dpiit.gov.in/
3. https://www.makeinindia.com/