Ø India has taken the first step towards running
a truly high speed train by opting for magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology under which the screech of the wheel hitting
the track is obviated as the train floats at high speeds a few inches over the
track. Thus India will avoid emulating Chile and some other countries that have
been running refurbished versions at higher than currently prevailing speeds on
the same track. Rather, the country is fashioning a new game altogether.
Running on dedicated tracks, the trains will come in complete sets: there will
be engine cabs at both ends and non-detachable coaches in the middle. This will
eliminate the swaying motion Indian travellers are accustomed to. The trains
will have under carriages placed in a way that one axle and two wheels come
under one coach and the rest under the next one, thus guaranteeing rapid fire
acceleration. The snub-nosed engines, super shiny outer hull and windows merged
with the coach body are some of the features that will cut air resistance, the
Railway official said. With cars to be allowed right next to the platform,
passengers can park in front of the allocated coach. As the train surges to its
top speed, WiFi and mobile phone connections will continue to work seamlessly,
for the entire ecosystem is electronics-intensive and microprocessor controlled
so much so that wayside signals rushing past the train will be reflected on the
locomotive’s control panel. Instead of the no-option, tepid railway meals,
orders could be placed at well-known food chains willing to cater to these
trains. One SMS and food will be available at the next intermediate station.
But before this, there is hard work ahead. The Economic Survey has warned that
high tariff and large passenger volumes are required to justify investment in
the project, which is highly capital intensive in nature. During his Japan
visit and interaction here with the Chinese, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
be exploring complete financing options at close to zero interest rates.
Simultaneously, the Railways will work on reducing overhead costs through
property development and other means. If all goes well, India will join the
club of two dozen countries running ultra high speed trains. For a country
which figures in the first few in having an aircraft carrier, a full fledged
space and nuclear programme and an ongoing mission to Mars, this will be better
late than never.
Ø Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: An Inside Job? written by Faraz
Ahmad :- BOOK
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