As India plans to spend US$ 1 trillion on infrastructure development over the next five years, the Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Green is in India this week with a UK rail mission including a delegate from Derby.

Pride Park based Interfleet Technology, who offer consultancy in national rail systems and international best-practice, expanded their Derby-based team of 300 by opening an office in Mumbai in early 2010. Interfleet's Indian team has now expanded to three staff and is already capitalising on the local presence by being able to respond faster to client enquiries. Clients also realise that Interfleet is in India for the long term and not just for 'one contract'. 

They are hoping to gain a number of benefits from the mission. With the involvement of the British High Commission and the presence of a UK government minister in the delegation, senior management personnel within the potential client organisations tend to take out time from their busy schedule to meet up. 

Amrit Ramteke, Regional Manager of Interfleet's Indian office said:

"Opportunities in India right now are huge. Through the trade mission I am hoping to meet new client contacts to raise Interfleet's profile, understand what projects other British partner companies are currently involved with in India and take advantage of the PR opportunities this high-profile visit by Lord Green will undoubtedly offer. Over the past few years we have delivered a number of assignments for clients in India and by opening the office in Mumbai we have been able to build even closer relationships with them and take advantage of the many business opportunities presented by the Indian rail industry."

India's busiest railway stations already handle more passengers than the combined numbers handled by all of the country's airports. India plans to spend £57 billion developing its rail network into world-class facilities across the country.

Lord Green said:

"Transforming India's infrastructure capacity is key to driving forward its future economic growth. We hope UK firms, with their world-class expertise and capabilities, can be the partner of choice as India develops its rail and infrastructure networks."  

Richard Burchell, International rail specialist for UK Trade & Investment, based in Derby, said:

"It's good to see companies on the mission with a large Derby presence, like Interfleet. They show India why Derby is one of the world leaders in rail development. Derby has the largest cluster of rail companies in Europe and there are currently 8,500 people employed in this sector in Derby, whether in large international firms or SMEs in the supply chain. Plus it generates £2.6 billion a year in the East Midlands. By taking advantage of these trade missions and working to get involved with these huge billion dollar projects the area can continue to benefit through increased employment. "

The rail mission is part of wider efforts to demonstrate UK expertise to meet India's infrastructure needs. Last July, the UK and Indian Prime Ministers established the Britain-India Infrastructure Group (BIIG) to take forward business interests in India's large scale infrastructure development programme. Business Secretary Dr Cable attended its inaugural meeting during his visit to India this January. 

The UK Trade & Investment rail mission will visit Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.