Is the bullet train network a beneficial proposition for India?

August 27, 2021

History -

In 1964, world's first high speed rail system – Shinkansen or bullet train started ops at speed of 210 kmph.

Hideo Shima , 20 May 1901 – 18 March 1998) was a Japanese engineer and the driving force behind the building of the first bullet train (Shinkansen).

Etymology. Shinkansen in Japanese means 'new trunk line' or 'new main line', but this word is used to describe both the railway lines the trains run on and the trains themselves. In English, the trains are also known as the bullet train.

The first high-speed rail system began operations in Japan in 1964, and is known as the Shinkansen, or “bullet train.” Today, Japan has a network of nine high speed rail lines serving 22 of its major cities, stretching across its three main islands, with three more lines in development.

We got this data from this website-

Wikipedia

Bullet train in India-

Bullet Trains in India: In September 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone of the ambitious bullet train project – connecting Mumbai with Ahmadabad.

There are arguments for and against adopting bullet trains in India. Does India really need bullet trains? Let’s see.

Finance and Technology -

India currently does not have the indigenous high-speed rail technology.

What are the Pros of the project?

Convenience:

Having an alternative mode of transport will decongest the roads.

Also, the speed of bullet trains will save the time and boost the businesses in large cities where time is money.

The interconnectedness between the towns and cities would reduce the hassle of commuting thereby helping in reducing the migration.

Safety:

Safety has been one of the major concerns of Indian Railways.

The record of bullet trains in the field of safety has been impeccable.

Economic growth:

It will help in the infrastructure development thereby spurring the economic growth and creating huge employment opportunities.

What are the Cons of the project?

Costs:

The Mumbai- Ahmedabad high-speed rail costs around one lakh crore Indian Rupee.

Considering the cost overruns due to delays and future fluctuations of inflation, it may further get increased.

High fares:

However, most of the travel by trains in India is done by the poorer sections.

Land acquisition:

It might act as another obstacle delaying the project and also causing large-scale displacement of people.

What are the arguments against Bullet Trains in India?

The Indian Railways is in a worrying state.There is a need to strengthen the present infrastructure of the railways.

The recent number of increasing rail accidents and the Elphinstone road station stampede further strengthens this case.

Thus, the argument is, instead of strengthening and upgrading the current infrastructure keeping in mind the safety of millions of passengers, why invest in a project catered to the well-off sections.

Is this argument valid?

There is no denying the fact that safety considerations are to be kept in mind and accorded high priority.

However, comparing these two investments in not right.

These should not be considered as alternative choices. Investments should be made for renovation and up gradation as well as in the bullet trains project.

Conclusion-

Everything will have its array of pros and cons. It lies in ones’ wisdom to weigh them equally and choose the path. The technological development comes at a cost but the safety of our citizens should not be a value added.