What are the reasons why Indian Railways cannot run bullet trains?

 Introduction

The Indian Railways' dream of introducing bullet trains has been met with numerous challenges, delaying the project's completion. Despite the excitement surrounding the prospect of high-speed rail travel, several factors have hindered its realization. In this detailed explanation, we'll explore the reasons behind the struggles of the Indian Railways in implementing bullet trains.

1. Tender Awards and Land Acquisition

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is tasked with constructing the 508 km-long corridor for the bullet train project. However, the project has faced delays due to incomplete tender awards and challenges in land acquisition.

Awarding tenders for various project components is crucial for progress. However, delays in this process have pushed back the project timeline. Moreover, acquiring land for the project, especially in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, proved to be a formidable challenge initially. The process was lengthy and faced resistance from some landowners. Fortunately, as of January 2024, land acquisition in these states has been completed, marking a significant milestone for the project¹.

2. Lack of Indigenous High-Speed Rail Coach Manufacturing

One major obstacle to implementing bullet trains in India is the absence of indigenous high-speed rail coach manufacturing facilities. Unlike some other countries with established high-speed rail networks, India lacks the necessary infrastructure and technology for producing high-speed rail coaches domestically.

This reliance on importing coaches adds complexities and costs to the project. Developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities would not only reduce costs but also ensure timely production and maintenance of the trains.

3. Inadequate Rail Tracks

Another challenge hindering the bullet train project is the inadequacy of existing rail tracks. The current tracks are not optimized for high-speed travel. Bullet trains require dedicated tracks with specific alignment and smooth curves to achieve their maximum speeds safely.

Moreover, the existing tracks are shared by both slow and fast trains, limiting the efficiency of high-speed rail travel. Dedicated tracks for bullet trains would ensure safety, efficiency, and optimal performance.

4. Cost and Affordability

The construction and maintenance of high-speed rail lines are expensive endeavors. While bullet trains offer a faster and more efficient mode of transportation, the cost of tickets may not be affordable for all passengers. This raises concerns about accessibility, particularly for lower-income individuals who may rely on the railways for their daily commute.

Additionally, while the operation of bullet trains is environmentally friendly, the construction phase may cause significant environmental disruption. Balancing the environmental impact with the benefits of high-speed rail travel is crucial for the project's overall sustainability.

5. Specially Trained Manpower

Operating and maintaining a bullet train network requires specially trained personnel. These individuals must understand the unique operational requirements and safety protocols associated with high-speed rail travel.

Training a workforce to handle the intricacies of bullet train operation is a time-consuming process. Ensuring the availability of skilled manpower is essential for the successful implementation and safe operation of the bullet train network.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by the Indian Railways in implementing bullet trains underscore the complexities involved in such ambitious projects. From tender awards and land acquisition to manufacturing, track optimization, affordability, and skilled manpower, numerous factors must be addressed to ensure the success of the project.

Despite these challenges, progress is being made, with significant milestones achieved, such as the completion of land acquisition in key states. Overcoming these obstacles will not only pave the way for a faster, more efficient rail network in India but also showcase the country's capability to undertake and accomplish transformative infrastructure projects.