GUWAHATI: The IIT-G (Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati) has signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the NFR (Northeast Frontier Railway) to collaborate on research projects to better serve the needs of the north-eastern States, stated a release.
The NFR is one of the 17 railway zones of the Indian Railways and is responsible for operation and expansion of rail network all across north-eastern States and some districts of Bihar and West Bengal.
The MoU was signed by the IIT-G Dean (Research & Development), Prof. VimalKatiyar and the NFR Chief Planning & Design Engineer, YogeshVerma in the presence of IIT-G Director Prof. T. G. Sitharam, on April 23.
Speaking on the occasion, IIT-G Director Prof. Sitharam said, "Under this collaboration, both the organizations will jointly execute various research projects in the areas not limited to geo-technical assistance, structure, bridges, IT (Information Technology), overhead equipment, signalling and safety assessment, AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based predictive maintenance systems, IoT (Internet of Things)-designed features, improving maintenance and operations of rolling stock, yards, train operations and GTs (Green Technologies) for catering to the needs of Northeast people and has agreed to partner NFR in developing world class railway stations in this region." Further, IIT Guwahati will also support NFR to make their stations plastic free by providing alternate Biodegradable polymer based technologies.
NFR Chief Planning & Design Engineer, YogeshVerma said that a multi-disciplinary approach would be adopted to find solutions to the problems with an aim towards improving maintenance and operations of train running and other identified fields under this cooperation.
Expressing his views on this collaboration, IIT-G Dean (Research & Development) Prof. VimalKatiyar said, "IIT Guwahati will take a lead to provide cutting-edge technical know-how and training support in multi-facet areas to fulfil NFR requirements."