New Delhi: Indian Railways (IR) is working closely with its Swiss counterpart to develop its infrastructure.

Kulbhushan, advisor, electrical, to the Railway board, said at a seminar on on Swiss Rail's technologies in New Delhi, that the transfer of Swiss technology in locomotive manufacturing has brought down the cost of manufacturing to just one-third.

A total of 13 Swiss companies had made presentations on their rail technology and the services they offer.

With enhanced services, rational passenger tariffs, creation of fresh freight corridors, technical upgradation and imports of critical components, the Indian Railways was in a turnaround phase Kulbhushan said and added that safety and technological up-gradation were the top priority of IR and this had thrown open several opportunities for private sector participation.

Three new factories, one for making coaches, one for diesel locomotives and one for manufacturing of electric locomotives are likely to be set up soon to cope with the nearly 10-per cent increase in traffic, he said.