Bite The Bullet

India’s need for a high-speed rail network is apparent, and the Government is spearheading the initiative, despite the many challenges that stand in the way of implementation.

- Mitalee Kurdekar

Considering the huge capital commitment that High-speed Rail (HSR) projects call for, it is natural for anyone to question the need for such a high-cost mode of travel in a develop-ing economy like India. In fact, such questions were raised soon after the Government announced its intent and plans to go ahead with such projects almost five years ago. In answer, the benefits of HSR speak for themselves. For starters, HSR has proved be an energy-efficient alternative per passenger kilometre when compared with other modes of travel. In addition, if one considers longer term economic benefits, then payback on the initial capital outlay for HSR is significant.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the Government has already announced HSR infrastructure projects to link major metropolitan cities and a few other metro cities along the way or in close proximity. The ambitious plan set to unfold during the course of next 5-10 years will fulfil the dream and promise of the Late Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of providing the nation with better connectivity through the diamond quadrilateral.

Another big plus arising from the implementation of HSR in India is that it will catapult India in terms of use of green technologies, in keeping with the need for environmental protection and an environmentally-friendly approach towards infrastructure development in general, and urban mobility in particular, again when compared with other modes of travel in a swiftly developing economy such as India.

THE NEED FOR SPEED