50 years ago, The Grand Trunk Express made its journey from Delhi to Madras, a distance of 2186 km in 44 hrs. The same train makes the same journey today in about 36 hrs. Indian Railways sure has come a long way, but at snail's pace. We are in the 21st century and boast of becoming a superpower in the near future. But when it comes travel infrastructure, we are still in the 20th century. Just 200 kms of access controlled expressways! And forget high speed trains, none of our trains average 100 km/h.
At this pace where will we find ourselves in the next 10 years? Mamata Didi has proposed a National High Speed Rail Authority. Proposals come day in day out, it does not guarantee execution. People may question the need for high speed rail, with that need served by the airlines. But such infrastructure projects go a long way in creating employment opportunities fuelling growth.
Also just imagine the prospects of travelling from Mumbai to Chennai overnight. (This just requires the trains to average 120 km/h...certainly not high speed) Such access will only seek to increase traffic. Students like me can be home for the weekend and back! Also I would be attending my friend's wedding and not give it up like now because of the time taken.
I just hope that Mamata and whichever Bihari or Bengali who succeed her to not lose focus. IR has been chugging along at its own pace. Its time it broke the sound barrier!
PS: Everyone is writing about Sachin that they forgot the railway budget! He is omnipresent!!
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