Technology
We must understand that we do have a variety
of population. Some travel in general, some in
AC-3 and some prefer planes based upon their
pocket size. Even telegram was expensive
because it was fast in the era of letters.
Safety Issue
Elevated corridor also reduces the risk of
accidents. HSR is much simpler to control due
to its predictable course. High-speed rail
systems reduce (but do not eliminate) collisions
with automobiles or people, by using non-grade
level track and eliminating grade-level
crossings. It should be mentioned in bold letters
that in its operational history of 51 years, the
Japanese Shinkansen has not had any fatal
accidents involving passengers since it began
operating in 1964.
It has since 1964, whisked 5.6 billion
passengers across the country
without a single serious accident.
Punctuality? The average delay is
less than a minute.
It’s quite a remarkable achievement when it is
compared to Indian fatalities, Last year,
according to the government, more than 25,000
people died and 3,882 were injured in 28,360
railway accidents across the country. Shouldn’t
we accept and apply the most advance railway
security system?
Environment Friendly:
A lot of comparison is being done by critics
about the investing the same amount in planes
and airports. We are attending global summits
on cutting the carbon emissions and check
global warming. Delhi Govt. has been pushed to
limit the vehicular pollution by adopting OddEven Rule.
Aircrafts contribution of carbon to India’s
alarming stage is whopping 15,630,000 tons.
Whereas equivalent coverage by Bullet Train
would emit only 1% for the same distance and
number of people transported. Bullet trains run
on electricity that could easily be generated
from renewable sources like Solar, Wing and
Hydro Energy.
Conclusion
I remember the days when Delhities were
criticising the Delhi Metro when it was being
introduced. The arguments were the same as
now but it different prospective. They wanted
more DTC buses, broadened roads, battery
autos etc. And now, we all know we all are hell
bent upon praising the Delhi Metro as Life line of
Delhi.
India is already behind all the major countries.
With ever increasing population and rising
middle class society it becomes highly
appropriate to move on to more advanced and
reliable travelling system. Every good thing has
its price so has Shinkansen.
It is not going to impact Indian economy in
negative sense since India has only got to invest
19% of total cost in upcoming 8 years. And after
that rest of 81% amount would be paid in 32
years. Meanwhile if we follow up Ministry of
Railway, they are reviving the ailing Railway
network and putting more emphasis on
facilities.
Make in India initiative is sure to bring a lot of
employment opportunities. With the force of
unskilled Civil Engineers filling the market each
year, that’s quite a remarkable step.
Every system has its flaws. As an engineer we
need to look at what we are gaining from it and
how it is going to affect our society. We built the
tracks for Steam Engine Trains an now it’s time
to build it for Bullet Trains.