France Agrees Deal to Revamp Indian Railways

France has signed a deal with India to help modernise its massive rail network, focusing on safety, training and technology, according to the French Transport Minister.

The French National Railway Company, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français and Indian Railways will cooperate to modernise the railways in India, according to French State Transport Minister Dominique Bussereau.

"Our focus will be to increase safety measures, prevent fires, introduction of high-speed trains and personnel training," the minister told AFP.

The companies say they will tackle issues including overcrowding, railway track repairs, signalling, information technology and training.

State-run Indian Railways runs thousands of trains daily and employs 1.6 million people.

By Ozge Ibrahim