Bullet Train Short Article

IMPACT OF INDIA'S AMBITIOUS MUMBAI-AHMEDABAD BULLET TRAIN
PROJECT – A STUDY
The Indian Railways have always been an integral component in the Indian economy's
development long before the First World War. Currently, with its estimated population of
approximately 1.38 billion people, the momentum for mobility has been rapidly increasing to
make India's transportation sector a critical enabler of development and progress. India boasts
the third-largest railway network globally and is one of the world's largest employers. It also
boasts a legacy of producing indigenized railway technology.
Despite such massive accomplishments, India, unfortunately, didn't possess a single high-speed
corridor for a long while. However, the upcoming prestigious 'Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet
Train Project' promises to change that and uplift India's progress in technology, social lifestyle
and economy. It comes with many expectations and grandeur for its objective to improve
railway technology in India, provide employment and also for adhering to be an eco-friendly
mode of transportation.
The project was conceptualised in 2013, forming a collaboration between India and Japan. 12
stations were proposed, where 8 of them will be stationed in Gujarat. The project would follow
Shikanshen technology by Japan, followed by Indian manufacturing. The project is estimated
to be 15 billion USD, where Japan will be funding 81% of the project. The debenture will
proceed through a 50-year loan with an interest rate of 0.1% with a moratorium period of 15
years.
Currently, the project is undergoing land acquisition, where 64% of the land is acquired. It
won't be meeting its original year of completion, i.e., 2023. It is likely to be completed by 2027.
Maharashtra has acquired 101.4 hectares out of 432 hectares, and no land has been received in
the Mumbai suburb. In Gujarat, maximum land has been obtained, i.e., 918.6 out of 956.15
hectares has been acquired.
Fig.1 Notable Highlights of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
High-Speed Rails run on electric power, so this may lead to reducing India’s dependence on
crude oil import. Based on a study by International Union of Railways, railways produce only
8.1 kgs of carbon emissions while cars and airplanes produce 67.4 kgs and 93 kgs respectively
for a distance of 600km per person. It also means that the project will be an environmentally
friendly one, when compared to travel by plane or car. The project comes with eco-friendly
corridor stations, with features such as rainwater harvesting mechanisms, natural light
provisions, wastewater treatment plans and solar panels. This eco-friendly initiative was much
appreciated by the public.
Mode of Transport Hours to Travel Expense (Diesel/Fare) People Capacity

Car 10 Rs. 5000 – Rs. 7000 4-6
Flight 1.15 Rs. 2,500 180 – 200
Train 7 Rs. 665 1600
Bus 9 Rs. 200 – Rs. 500 40 – 60
Bullet Train 2.5 Rs. 3000 – Rs. 5000 1300 – 1600
Table.1 Comparison of different modes of transportation from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.
While the government likes to think that this project may bridge connectivity to most minor
developed areas, develop infrastructure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, some experts
believe that this increase of urbanization may lead to social conflicts and struggle for resources.
The project promises to improve the economy by 2.7% and lead to a rise in employment
opportunities. The project also reduces the travel time from 8 hours to just 2.
Despite the hype and expectations, the project was criticized for not being as economically
viable as expected. The enormous costs involved in constructing the project made it seem like
it was vainglorious for most of the population living around the Mumbai-Ahmedabad belt. Due
to Indian Rupee's depreciation against the Japanese Yen's increase, the project's loan expense
has increased to 6160 Crore Rupees. When the loan agreement was signed between India and
Japan, 1 Japanese yen was equal to 57 paise. The yen now is equivalent to 67 paise. The
purchasing power of the rupee is at the risk of getting extinguished, meaning that India's
repayment of the project's loan can have disturbing consequences.
The project has faced protests from farmers and tribals regarding land acquisition and
environmental factors. People say it affects the land quality and their primary income source,
i.e., farming leading to their main fear of losing their lands and become homeless and unable
to earn. It has also been informed that this project has a higher risk of destroying the ecosystem,
including 11 mangrove species and about 177 species of animals and migratory birds will
directly be affected, according to MoEFCC. This may also lead to an increase in the risk of
flooding, erosion of the coastline, and an increase in saline intrusion. Even if the necessary
compensations were to be done, noise pollution from the sound of bullet trains, changes in
drainage and water quality would continue to threaten the habitats around the region.
This dream project of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been given a 'Red' signal by
the Maharashtra State Government, especially by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. It has
been called 'white elephant'. The project faces significant problems on the Maharashtra belt
though covering only a certain distance of the route, and reports say the Gujrat land acquisition
is made 90%. Still, the Maharashtra land acquisition is made 22% only. Rumour is that the
Maharashtra State Government are eyeing it as a personal reason for their rivalry with the BJP
government. However, it's still not eminent who is being a barrier towards the development of
India. In addition to this, the project may face tough competition from low-cost carriers, given
its competing with low-cost airlines flying from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.
Based on all these negative allegations on the project, one may wonder whether India really
needs a high-speed railway corridor now, when the existing infrastructure of railways need
proper maintenance, safety measures and upgradation. Let us understand that HSR works much
different when compared to other conventional railway transportation such as the metro. It is
guaranteed to provide a new dimension to Indian Transportation System.
India's vision for bullet train projects is broad, futuristic, and heightens the possibility of
expanding high-speed railway corridors across India, but will carry a heavy financial burden
along with it. However, it is also about time India strongly displays its technological prowess
in the transportation industry.
Article by Sanaa, Shifaz and Aayush

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IMPACT OF INDIA'S AMBITIOUS MUMBAI-AHMEDABAD BULLET TRAIN

Fig.1 Notable Highlights of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Mode of Transport Hours to Travel Expense (Diesel/Fare) People Capacity

Table.1 Comparison of different modes of transportation from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.

Article by Sanaa, Shifaz and Aayush

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