India flags off its fastest-ever train

The move is part of PM Modi's $135 billion plan to overhaul Asia's oldest rail network over five years


Afp April 05, 2016
PHOTO COURTESY: THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS

NEW DELHI: India flagged off its fastest-ever train on Tuesday as part of a major modernisation of the crumbling railway system -- but its top speed is only half of those in China and other countries.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu hailed the Gatimaan Express, running from New Delhi to the Taj Mahal and boasting hostesses and bone china crockery, as "a new era of high-speed rail travel".

India to rename railway 'coolies' in modernisation drive

But the express has a top speed of 160 kilometres (100 miles) per hour, compared to trains in China, Japan, France and other countries which can reach 320 kilometres (200 miles) per hour or more.

Described by the government as India's first "semi high-speed train", it is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's $135 billion plan to overhaul Asia's oldest rail network over five years.

Railways are a lifeline for India's 1.25 billion people and the main form of long-distance travel. About 23 million people, equivalent to the population of Australia, travel by train every day.

Japan and India agree bullet train, nuclear deals

But the railways are creaking from decades of neglect and chronic under investment. The government is seeking foreign assistance and has signed a deal with Japan to build India's first bullet train.

PHOTO COURTESY: THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS

The 100-minute journey on the Gatimaan Express, from the capital to Agra, home of the famous Taj Mahal, will cost between 750 rupees ($12) and 1,500 rupees ($23) depending on seat class.

The Gatimaan also includes plush interiors, bio-toilets and soap dispensers, a GPS-passenger information service, automatic sliding doors in coaches, a WiFi-based electronic entertainment system and a range of cuisines served on china in executive class.

India train runs over teenager taking selfie

"Its speed is an improvement over other trains running on the same route at 150 kilometres an hour," Indian Railways spokesperson Neeraj Sharma told AFP. Most trains in India, however, average speeds of around 110 kilometres an hour.

COMMENTS (7)

Vaibhav | 7 years ago | Reply India do not need bullet trains..... Upgrading the existing railways is a big challenge .trains like ...Gatimaan , rajdhani , shatabdi with top speed near 150 kmph .....are much suitable for india......considering the cost and capacity......
bharat | 7 years ago | Reply I think its a good move since its more economical for us
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ