The government of India has recently granted the green light for the construction of six novel, covertly-designed submarines under the rubric of the “Strategic Partnership (SP)” blueprint. The SP model is a key part of the comprehensive “Make in India” policy and prioritizes the role of the Indian private sector in the development and production of state-of-the-art weapons systems. This strategy complements and strengthens the global arms manufacturing industry by fostering valuable partnerships through joint venture initiatives.
Key Features of the Strategic Partnership Model
The hallmark of the Strategic Partnership model lies in its collaborative aspect. The project is designed to be run entirely under an Indian shipyard’s supervision, working closely alongside an overseas partner. The model is tailored to augment the private sector’s contribution in India, particularly in the manufacture of advanced weapon systems.
An integral part of this forward-thinking approach is the construction of six stealth submarines under Project-75 India (P-75I). These underwater vessels will be equipped with innovative features such as land-attack cruise missiles and air-independent propulsion. Additionally, they will possess enhanced underwater endurance capabilities, rendering them a significant force in underwater warfare.
The Future of Rail Report: A Global Perspective
Reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable energy, India’s Minister of Railways introduced the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report named “The Future of Rail”. The report is a pioneering initiative that offers a detailed analysis of rail transportation’s present scenario, potential future, and the energy and environmental implications globally.
Moreover, the report lays special emphasis on India, shedding light on the railway’s vital social and economic role within the nation. With its extensive rail network and heavy reliance on rail for transportation, India forms a crucial element of this comprehensive study.
Rail Facts and Figures
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total length of railway network in India | 67,415 km |
| Annual railway passengers in India | 8.1 billion |
| Rail’s share in total inland freight transportation | 35% |
| Percentage of electricity use by Railways in India | 2.3% |
Gleaning Insights into The Future of Railways
While “The Future of Rail” report breaks new ground, it is the beginning of a journey into analysing the potential of rail transportation from an environmental and energy perspective. It offers greater insight into the sector’s significance and explores ways to capitalize on its potential for a more sustainable future. Remarkably, India becomes a focal point in this study, given the nation’s unique economic and social relationship with rail transport.
