Study on to see if India can run bullet train

Can India have its first bullet train that would run at a speed of 350 kms per hour?

Can India have its first bullet train that would run at a speed of 350 kms per hour?

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The proposal is being explored by the railways with the help of three companies, including a French and an Italian firm.

The report of the feasibility study, being conducted on 533-km long Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad section, is expected to be submitted next month that will give an idea to the government whether or not to go ahead with such a proposal.

"After examining the report, we will decide on the next course of action," a senior railway official said.

The feasibility study is being conducted by Systra of France and Italferr of Italy along with RITES.

For a bullet train, a dedicated corridor would have to be built and officials estimate that each kilometre of such a train would cost about Rs 100-150 crore.

The feasibility study is examining the possible alignment, fare structure and volume of passengers in the proposed high-speed corridor.

Besides the elevated route, study will look at the possibility of underground route for the high-speed corridor.

"The cost of the feasibility study is about Rs 15 crore and it is being shared by railways and Maharashtra government equally," said the official.

Even while the feasibility study is underway, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has offered his country's expertise in such modern technology.