EIB and DB E&C Launch Urban Mobility Competence Hub in India

As India’s urban population is projected to more than double by 2050, the need for robust urban mobility solutions has never been more pressing. The UMCH is set to play a crucial role in this transformation by leveraging European best practices and technical expertise to develop effective solutions tailored to Indian cities.

On October 24, the UMCH was officially celebrated at a launch event graced by Nicola Beer, Vice President of EIB, and other key rail industry stakeholders. It marked the official kick-off of the collaboration between EIB’s development capabilities and our expertise in rail systems.

DB E&C brings its extensive experience in railway and infrastructure projects to the UMCH. With a history of successful urban infrastructure projects all over the world, our company’s involvement ensures that the hub will benefit from cutting-edge German engineering and project management expertise. This collaboration aims to enhance project design, procurement processes, and governance standards across India’s urban mobility sector. Through ensuring highest standards and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices, we aim to support not only the EIB, but India’s railway sector. 

UMCH to Bolster India’s Metro Rail Projects with European Expertise

The newly launched Urban Mobility Competence Hub is poised to significantly impact India’s ongoing and future metro rail projects. Since 2015, the European Investment Bank has been funding numerous metro projects in major Indian cities, and the UMCH is set to build on this foundation. 

Aligning with India’s 2017 New Metro Rail Policy, which focuses on project creation, collaborations, and standardization for cities with populations over one million, the UMCH will provide valuable insights and support. DB E&C’s role in the hub is crucial, as it brings decades of experience in planning, designing, and implementing complex rail systems.  

This expertise will be particularly valuable in addressing the unique challenges faced by Indian metro projects, such as high population density and diverse geographical conditions. The hub’s operational support and project monitoring functions, bolstered by DB E&C’s technical know-how, will ensure that these complex infrastructure projects meet international standards and comply with EIB safeguards. We aim to integrate sustainable and innovative technologies in rail systems that will be instrumental in improving the efficiency, sustainability, and overall quality of Indian metro projects. 

Knowledge Sharing: A Key Focus of the Urban Mobility Competence Hub

At the heart of the Urban Mobility Competence Hub’s mission is its commitment to knowledge sharing. This critical function aims to bridge the gap between European expertise and Indian urban mobility projects, fostering an environment of continuous exchanges and innovation. 

DB E&C plays a pivotal role in this knowledge-sharing initiative. By leveraging our global network of experts and dedicated regional team, we offer comprehensive training programs and workshops tailored to the needs of local Indian project teams and stakeholders. Our expertise spans critical areas such as digital railway systems, energy-efficient transportation solutions, and integrated mobility concepts. This knowledge base is particularly relevant in addressing the unique challenges posed by high-density metro rail projects. Through these initiatives, DB E&C aims to enhance the capabilities of professionals involved in developing future urban mobility solutions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable transportation infrastructure. 

Through workshops, seminars, and digital platforms, the UMCH will create opportunities for Indian professionals to learn from and facilitate exchanges covering a wide range of topics, including advanced project management techniques, sustainable design principles, and innovative financing models. Our involvement ensures that access to the latest developments in railway technology and urban mobility solutions is broadly available. 

As the UMCH begins its operations, the combination of EIB’s financial expertise and DB E&C’s technical prowess is set to become a catalyst for transforming urban mobility in India. This collaboration aims to equip Indian cities with the knowledge, expertise, and technologies needed to build sustainable, efficient, and future-ready transport systems.