INDIA: DB International is to open an office in Bangalore following its appointment as quality and safety consultant for the Kochi metro.
‘This initiative has strategic significance in light of the continuing process of globalisation and the rising prominence of the Indian market’, said DB International Chairman Niko Warbanoff, adding ‘we are confident that we can lend our support to India with our expertise in all areas of rail transport’.
Kochi is building a 25 km elevated metro line with 22 stations, which will be electrified using a 750 V DC third-rail power supply. The Rs51·7bn cost will partly be met through a €180m long-term loan agreement signed with Agence Française de Développement in February.
According to DB International, India is expected to invest up to €200bn over the next decade to expand and upgrade its rail infrastructure, including conventional, high speed and urban rail projects.
