RVNL-SMPK inks strategic rail infrastructure pact

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) inked a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata (SMPK) for the infrastructure development of rail-port connectivity. Even though the logistics have largely been shifted to roadways, the MoU will facilitate refocusing on the logistic movement through the railway.

In the agreement, RVNL and SMPK have agreed to cooperate and collaborate to augment the capacity of rail infrastructure for the port on a fast-track basis. The agreement opened the scope to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to undertake project development, resource mobilization, and implementation of railways projects including port and hinterland connectivity. The rail infrastructure under SMPK also needs up-gradation and expansion given the huge jump in the volume of cargo handling at these two dock systems. A task force would be formed with the functionaries of both the SMPK and RVNL.