Rail Chamber, Indo British Business Forum sign strategic MoU to boost UK–India Rail collaboration

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the railway sector, the Chamber of Railway Industries (Rail Chamber) and the Indo British Business Forum (IBBF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. The agreement, formalised on April 14, 2026, marks a major step toward enhancing bilateral engagement between India and the United Kingdom in rail and infrastructure development.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General, Rail Chamber, and Mrs. Kavita Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, IBBF, in the presence of key industry stakeholders including Surya Prakash Shah, Executive Director, Urban Infra Group; Mansi Arora, Head (Membership & Events), Rail Chamber; and Rakesh Boylla, Director, Maya Goldsmith.

Framework for Collaboration Across Rail Ecosystems

The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework to facilitate collaboration between Indian and UK companies across multiple areas of the rail and infrastructure ecosystem. It aims to promote joint participation in projects, enable technology transfer and knowledge sharing, and create pathways for investment and access to global funding.

The MoU also focuses on strengthening trade relations through joint industry events, delegations and exhibitions, creating new opportunities for businesses from both countries to engage and collaborate.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “This strategic partnership between Rail Chamber and IBBF reflects the growing importance of international collaboration in advancing rail infrastructure. By bringing together global expertise and investment, such initiatives can accelerate technology adoption and support the development of world-class railway systems in India.”

Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General, Rail Chamber, described the MoU as a milestone in strengthening UK–India collaboration. He emphasised that the partnership would help facilitate meaningful industry engagements, accelerate innovation and unlock new opportunities for stakeholders across the rail ecosystem.

Mrs. Kavita Sharma, CEO of IBBF, highlighted that the collaboration would create a strong bridge between UK and Indian rail industries. She noted that it would enable UK companies to actively participate in India’s rapidly growing rail sector while fostering long-term partnerships and investment flows.

RailTrans Expo 2026 to Be Key Platform

As an immediate outcome of the MoU, both organisations will work closely to facilitate participation of UK companies in the upcoming 6th RailTrans Expo 2026, scheduled to be held on July 3–4, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing innovations, fostering partnerships and promoting business opportunities in the rail sector.

In addition, plans are underway to organise a UK–India Rail Industry Roundtable in London following the expo, further strengthening bilateral dialogue and collaboration.

Sharing his perspective, Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General, Indian Chamber of Railway Industries, stated, “Collaborations like this MoU are essential for integrating global best practices into India’s railway sector. By leveraging international expertise and fostering partnerships, we can accelerate infrastructure development, enhance competitiveness and position India as a global hub for rail innovation.”

Strengthening Global Rail Partnerships

The agreement aligns with India’s ongoing railway modernisation and expansion initiatives, while tapping into the UK’s strengths in advanced rail technologies and infrastructure development. Both organisations aim to create a robust platform for sustained engagement, driving growth, innovation and investment in the sector.

As India continues to expand its rail infrastructure at an unprecedented pace, such international partnerships are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry and enhancing its global competitiveness.