These trains can travel at a maximum speed of 300 km/h, making them a fast and efficient means of traveling long distances.
In recent years, India has been trying to introduce bullet trains as a form of transportation. The country’s government of India intends to connect its major cities with a high-speed train network.
But is such an ambitious and costly endeavor good or bad for India?
Work on the first proposed high-speed train line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad began in 2017. The 508 km railway, which has 12 stops, is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from seven hours down to two hours. For those who frequently travel between these two cities for work, leisure or commerce, this will be a boon. The National High-Speed Railway Company Limited (NHSRCL), a business established by the Indian government, is implementing the project. NHSRCL says the project is likely to be completed by 2027.
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The project is being financed by a combination of public and private capital, with the majority of funding coming from Japan. Softbank Group and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Other high-speed train projects, including routes between Delhi and Mumbai, Mumbai and Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata, are also planned by the Indian government.
These programs complement the route between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The completion of these projects, which are currently in the planning and feasibility studies stages, will significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel times between major Indian cities. By providing a fast and efficient means of transportation for both people and products, this will have a significant positive impact on the nation’s economy.
The efficiency and speed of the bullet train are its two main advantages. These trains can travel at high speeds due to their complex infrastructure, including dedicated tracks and signaling systems. They can also cover long distances quickly, which makes them an affordable option for passengers and travelers alike.
The business community will benefit greatly from this as it will allow them to reach a wider audience and sell their goods nationwide.
In addition to speed, bullet trains are also known for their reliability and safety. Japanese Shinkansen The system serves as concrete proof of this. The Shinkansen has had no deaths since it began operating in 1964, and the record for delays is under a minute.
Also, since no deforestation is required to lay the road, bullet trains are better for the environment because they can carry heavier loads than conventional trains. They are also a more reliable alternative for travelers as they can run in a variety of weather conditions.
However, another advantage that bullet trains have is that they are more environmentally friendly. Compared to flying or driving, high-speed rail is a more environmentally beneficial option because it emits much less pollution. For those worried about how their travel will affect the environment, this is a good choice.
This is an important point to consider, as the need to cut carbon emissions and the consequences of climate change is increasingly recognized.
Despite offering many advantages, high-speed trains also have significant disadvantages. The cost of building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure, including rails, stations and signaling systems, is one of the big issues. For both governments and commercial enterprises, this can be a significant financial burden.
The cost of building a high-speed train corridor is around Rs. 100 crore rupees per kilometer. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway is 508 km long. In addition, the cost of rolling rocks and installing a proper signaling system can add up to 115 million rupees per kilometer. Given their exorbitant construction costs, these trains will also come at a hefty price tag.
One way ticket on Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR is predicted to cost around Rs 5000. It is simply too expensive for most Indians to afford. The typical cost of a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad is on average between Rs 2,000 and 5,000. If so, high-speed trains could widen the gap between rich and poor instead of solving transportation problems, and would be impractical if it didn’t reduce traffic and commuting problems.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these issues don’t just apply to India. Countries with active HSRs, but still facing viability concerns include France, Taiwan, and South Korea. Argentina abandons high-speed trains and opts for medium-speed infrastructure because the return on investment does not support costs.
In terms of HSR implementation, land acquisition for railway and station construction could be India’s biggest problem. The acquisition of land for high-speed train projects has historically met with a lot of opposition. Despite the government’s efforts to minimize the impact on local communities and compensate those affected by the projects, disputes may still arise over these issues.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government remains dedicated to providing the country with high-speed trains as a means of transportation. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project is well underway under the Prime Minister Narendra Modiand the authorities have also revealed plans for several other routes.
High-speed trains could significantly improve connectivity and shorten travel times between major Indian cities if these measures are successful.
