Five challenges in the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project

Abstract

While it is of great value that India has Japan's support for building the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train, there are multiple challenges that need to be overcome. It is indeed a great beginning for India that the ground-breaking for the construction of the first bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai is happening on 14 September at a function attended by Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe, prime ministers of India and Japan respectively. Apart from being a major leap in infrastructure development in India, this project signifies the friendship and collaboration between the two countries.

The 534-km Rs1 trillion high-speed rail project that will operate trains with average speeds of 200-250kmph will be a game-changer in terms of inter-urban connectivity and establish India as a market for such technologies. Japan, which has matured in evolving such technologies and is seeking opportunities for investments, is providing a loan that would cover 80% of the estimated project cost at 0.5% interest, with a 15-year moratorium followed by a 35-year payback period. While it is of great value that we have both financial and technological support from Japan for building this line, there are multiple challenges that need to be overcome. Read more at: https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/iYrc3BoeBceG4uxR0ZzX9O/Five-challenges-in-the-AhmedabadMumbai-bullet-train-project.html