India seeks China's transport expertise

India is looking to Chinese investment and expertise to build high-speed rail networks, highways and urban infrastructure.

"We are planning to create a rapid regional transport system in Delhi that will link the capital with some of the important urban centres nearby with high-speed trains," said Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath. "Given their strength in mass rapid transit systems, we would like to benefit from China's experience in this field."

Chinese companies such as Shanghai Urban Construction Group are already involved in a host of infrastructure projects in India, mainly digging tunnels and installing escalators in underground metro projects.

Nath said India would like to see Chinese participation in an even wider range of projects, including waste management, water recycling and affordable housing. The two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding on sewage treatment, while one on highways was on the drawing board, he said.

Talks are also under way on an agreement on sustainable urbanisation with the National Development and Reform Commission, which Nath hoped would pave the way for greater Chinese investment in India.

"Both our countries face similar challenges in managing cities and towns. Chinese companies would be able to better appreciate the ground reality, and they have a good record of accomplishing work within a stipulated time," he said.

Nath also noted that India allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment in most infrastructure sectors, with no restrictions on repatriation of profits.