The Bullet Train Project

Introduction

The Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project (MAHSR), popularly known as the Bullet Train Project, will introduce the first-ever bullet train to operate in India. The train will run between Ahmedabad city and Mumbai, covering about 500 km (310 miles). According to the current stats, it takes 8 hours to cover the 500 km distance, which will be cut to 3 hours. 

The project aims to include 12 stations en route, 3 in Maharashtra, 8 in Gujarat, and the Union Territory Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It will be providing phenomenal top speeds up to 350km/hr. This is an ambitious target to achieve, benefiting the country’s railway network.

The History Behind the Bullet Train Project

It was in 2009 when for the first time, the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project was mentioned. The idea was proposed by the former railway minister, Mamata Banerjee, in the project named Vision 2020.

In 2013, the project was conceived by the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. This was when India and Japan signed an MOU to undertake a joint feasibility study of the Mumbai- Ahmedabad route. 

The project took shape in 2017 when the foundation stone for India’s first Mumbai to Ahmedabad bullet train was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japan’s President Shinzo Abe.

Benefits of Introducing Bullet Train in India

• Employment opportunities – The Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project, 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 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 proven to be invincible in terms of safety, whereas India has faced dreadful casualties over the years. The Shinkansen trains of Japan have an impeccable record of no casualties to date.

• Reduced migration – High-speed connectivity between cities and towns will reduce commuting hassle, resulting in reduced migration.

• Attracting new investors – When completed, the Mumbai to Ahmedabad Bullet Train project will attract new investors in the field of high-speed train projects.

Stakeholders Involved and the Cost Estimates

• The Central Government, Gujarat Government, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Maharashtra Government are jointly the stakeholders of the Mumbai to Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project.

• The project’s overall cost is estimated to be around Rs1.10 lakh crore, including the number of import duties, interest, and the cost of 24 train sets.

• The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the major contributor, funding 81% of the total project cost, which is Rs.88,087 crores.

• The rate of interest charged by Japan is as low as 0.1% if India cannot repay the loan after a period of 50 years.

• The plan to build the bullet train project on an elevated corridor added a cost of about Rs.10,000 crores to the project.

The Geopolitical Strategic Significance of the Bullet Train Project

• The bullet train deal sends out a powerful message by the two Asian nations sharing a strategic partnership, emphasising 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, providing the Maglev bullet train at a cheaper rate. 

• Despite the huge difference in the rates, India chose Japan over China, thus making its intentions crystal clear.

• 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.

Reasons why the Project is Getting Delayed

• Inordinate delay in land acquisition in Maharashtra is adding up to the problems. The Bandra Kurla Complex, a business hub situated in Mumbai, has become the primary reason for the delay.

• The farmers of Maharashtra have protested against the project, which is creating a negative impact, thus leading to slow or equivalent to no growth of the bullet train project.

• Other reasons primarily include legal irregularities, social assessment by private firms, inadequate compensation and environmental impacts.

Conclusion

India aims to become a USD 8.4 trillion economy by 2030, resulting in becoming 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 is the right 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.