Does India actually need a Bullet Train ?
Does India actually need a Bullet Train ?

Bullet Train: Do we actually need it ?

It’s the second anniversary of the Modi Led BJP government and we have seen a lot of hits and misses in the last 2 years. From fuel prices, foreign travels, degree issues, nationalism problems and what not, we have seen everything. Out of the long list of promises made by the current government, one was about running a Bullet Train. Modi along with the social media friendly Suresh Prabhu have made promises to run a Bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Well, only one of our neighbour – China – has the bullet train, so how can India stay far away ? But to be frank, do we actually need Bullet Trains ?

Does India actually need a Bullet Train ?
Does India actually need a Bullet Train ?

The government had announced the Bullet Train service from Ahmedabad to Mumbai that would cover a distance of over 500kms and would have a 21km track under the sea. The approximate estimate of the project is dubbed to be a whopping 96,000 Crores ! And out of this, 91% amount will be a loan by Japan. So they have the dream, but no money to fulfill it ? Why dream of something which is out of reach ? I’m not saying that taking a loan is bad, but with loan from World Bank – which we are still repaying btw – taking such a huge loan for something that is not needed is not financially good. (I’m not a financial pundit, so would love to have a view from a finance guru’s perspective)

Also, the Indian Railways are one of the largest rail networks in the world covering a vast area of about 115,000 kms and still there are places on these routes where the track has been laid but the train has never reached due to various factors. It would be wise to spend money on increasing the number of trains or their frequency to places that are in need. And if the existing infrastructure doesn’t allow to run more trains, then spending money to improve the existing infrastructure is needed. There are many railway stations that see a high footfall, so improving the existing station is a must. Also electrifying some routes, adding additional tracks to name a few should be addressed on priority.

Apart from the infrastructure itself, the implementation of plans / policies should be more effective. Few months back the ministry had planned a lot of services during the Railway budget, but how well are they implemented ? They would be available instantly at important places but not at smaller stations. Be it the SMS based train cleaning service or the police complaint services, how effective these are on the ground is what really matters. The number of new policies, schemes is of no use until unless the existing ones are improved.

Improving the existing facilities is a must. Image Courtesy: TheHindu
Improving the existing facilities is a must. Image Courtesy: TheHindu

Lastly, India is a country where a large population is still living below the poverty line. Their living conditions are bad and for them every rupee spent is a big burden. On the other hand we have the creamy layer, who often ‘fly’ to places rather than travelling in trains. So with such a huge ‘economical gap’ (correct me if this term is incorrect) who will use the Bullet train ? The middle class is happy travelling in trains and they surely can afford flights in extreme situations. While the rich don’t bother as their travel plans are by air and the poor queue up to get into the un-reserved coach. Looking at this the investment in Bullet train isn’t a good idea as we don’t ‘need’ one.

I know there would be many people (including me) who would definitely travel once in the bullet train but what after that ? How many will actually use it ? Share your views whether India actually needs a Bullet Train ?

About Atulmaharaj

A seasoned blogger and a content marketer for close to a decade now. I write about Food, Technology, Lifestyle, Travel, and Finance related posts. Blogging brings me joy and the best part is I get to read and e-meet so many amazing bloggers! PS: I'm also the founder for Socialmaharaj.com :) Favorite Quote: "Traveling is like reading a book, one who hasn't traveled, hasn't turned a page.

Check Also

Lucknow to Hyderabad Roadtrip By Car

Plan Your Epic Road Trip In India – Tips & Hacks

With the skyrocketing prices of flights in India and the uncertainty of getting train tickets …

7 comments

  1. This is a very well articulated post, Atul. The points of investing the money in the right direction if you really know the problem doesn’t require one to be a financial pundit, this is worth pondering upon. I am from Ahmedabad and stay in Mumbai and while this might be of great convenience to me (not sure how much on the pocket as flight prices are down if planned well), on an over all basis, the questions you have asked are really critical and need answer. A real good post!

  2. The point on spending money on existing infrastructure is very appropriate…not sure if the bulletin train will help many in India!

  3. Good point of view Atul…

  4. While I agree with you on the need for improving the existing system with safety, cleanliness and connectivity as the key issues, I for one strongly vouch for the bullet train too…when metro was introduced in cities, we exhibited fears of the common man not being able to use the services but I am sure that today, it is a very convenient and quick mode of transport..similarly..

    • socialmaharaj

      That’s a valid point and I agree with you. But I don’t see the ticket prices of Bullet Trains being any cheaper than flights.

Leave a Reply to socialmaharajCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.