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India is focusing on building high-speed trains to be on par with the other well-developed nations. Bullet trains have an exceptional speed of 320 km/hr, which saves people valuable time.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, popularly known as the Bullet Train Project, will introduce the first-ever Indian Bullet Train operational in the country. The train will run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, covering about 500 km (310 miles) distance. As per the current statistics, it takes 8 hours to cover the 500-km distance, which will be cut down to 3 hours with the Bullet Train.
This is an ambitious target to achieve, and it will surely benefit the country’s railway network.
The Indian Bullet Train Routes
The following table provides information regarding the high-speed train projects in India.
The History Behind The Indian Bullet Train Project
The first time that the high-speed train project was mentioned was in 2009. The idea was proposed by the former railway minister, Mamata Banerjee, in the project named Vision 2020.
In the year 2013, the bullet train route Mumbai – Ahmedabad project was conceived by the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. This was the year when India and Japan signed an MOU and undertook joint feasibility to study this route.
The project took shape in 2017 when the foundation stone of the first Indian Bullet Train was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japan’s President Shinzo Abe.
Benefits Of Introducing The Indian Bullet Trains
Employment opportunities: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project alone, as estimated, will generate approximately 4,000 direct jobs. Apart from this, 20,000 indirect jobs will also be generated along with 20,000 construction workers availing the opportunity of employment till the commencement of the bullet train.
Good connectivity: Well-connected, high-speed railway network boosts the economy. It assists in connecting smaller towns and cities to bigger economic hubs.
Safety Concern: Bullet trains have proved to be invincible in terms of safety. The Shinkansen trains of Japan have an impeccable record of no casualties to date.
Reduced migration: High-speed connectivity between the cities and towns will reduce the hassle of commuting, resulting in reduced migration.
Attracting new investors: The Indian Bullet Train projects, when completed, will attract new investors in the field of high-speed train projects.
Environment Friendly: The high-speed train projects could prove to be a cleaner way of travelling between cities.
Parameters That Will Make The Indian Bullet Trains Attractive
The citizens of India have a variety of options to commute, which includes private transport, buses, and airlines. To make railways a prime mode of transportation, speed, and comfort, frequency of operation and punctuality must be enhanced.
To make the railway network more appealing to the citizens, there should be at least one high-speed train available every hour running between the major Indian cities.
Nothing could beat a modern and comfortable experience on these trains.
The most important aspect to consider is the pricing of the tickets. It should be nominal as per the affordability of the Indian citizens.
The Geopolitical Strategic Significance Of The Indian Bullet Train
The Indian bullet train deal sends out a powerful message by the two Asian nations sharing a strategic partnership with each other, countering China’s control over the Asia Pacific region.
India is important to Japan as the nation lost the bullet train deal in Indonesia against China at the very last moment. Japan faces tough competition from China, which provides the Maglev Bullet Train at a cheaper rate.
In spite of the huge difference in the rates, India chose Japan over China, thus, making its intentions crystal clear. Japan could invest more in the upcoming Indian railways projects.
The deal is not only beneficial for the economic growth of India but also for Japan’s growing economy, providing numerous employment opportunities to Japanese citizens.
The Mumbai to Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project strengthens India’s Look East Policy. It also counters China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which China sees as a measure to become a global superpower.
Conclusion
India’s aim to achieve the target of USD 8.4 trillion in terms of the economy by 2030 will make them the third-largest economy in the coming 25 years. India has proven its immense ability in other fields, including space, as a major contributor.
The nations which are a part of the high-speed rail network are considered well-developed; now, it’s time for India to speed up the rate of the Bullet Train Project. This will enhance India’s international stature and further boost the relationship between India and Japan, leading to more such investments.
Development of any form has a plethora of pros and cons. But to measure them wisely is the need of the hour to compete with the world and stand out.
