Crossrail International signs MoU with Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority of India to support expansion of Mumbai’s metro network.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The MoU supports the creation of a world-class, intermodal transport network in India’s economic hub, including the development of an operational and maintenance strategy to deliver enhanced systemwide benefits for Mumbai’s future 14-line metro network with Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme.
The signing of the MoU further strengthens UK-India cooperation in developing and delivering key economic infrastructure and follows on from the UK Prime Minister’s announcement that UK-India trade talks will relaunch early this year following a bilateral meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit.
The MoU represents the first step in establishing a longer-term Government-to-Government Agreement that will support MMRDA’s ambitions for the city and region as it seeks to underpin sustainable economic growth with an integrated transport system that will act as a best practice model for other cities across India.
Crossrail International CEO Paul Dyson said:
“Crossrail International is privileged to be the UK Government’s interlocutor agency supporting MMRDA’s ambitious transport plan for Mumbai and the region. We look forward to working closely with MMRDA over the coming years to maximise the benefits to be gained from its significant investment to support the economic growth of the region in a sustainable and resilient manner. We would like to thank the Secretary for Business and Trade and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee IAS and the Government of Maharashtra for the excellent partnership created to date.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP said:
“Britain is uniquely placed to take advantage of exciting new markets, while strengthening existing relationships with the world’s fastest growing economies such as India. Partnerships like this boost trade and create opportunities for UK companies abroad, a proven way to support jobs, raise wages, and drive investment across the UK as we deliver on our Plan for Change.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:
“The partnership established today is an important milestone for both the UK Government and Crossrail International, helping Britain’s world-leading rail industry extend its expertise overseas while unlocking new business opportunities to boost our economy. It highlights how investment in transport infrastructure at home can have long-lasting global benefits for our rail sector, creating and supporting skilled jobs and driving growth.”
