Laying of foundation stone shall be a red letter day in the history of IR especially with reference to speed and safety. It will make us believe that we are sure to see HST operating in India in the coming years.
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Although bringing High speed Rail travel (250kmph+) to India had been under consideration and talked about by almost all the RMs & IR since 10 years, nothing concrete could happen beyond the studies and announcements in Rly Budgets.
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was customary to make some announcement about HST in Rail budgets since 2009-10 rly budget which appeared like old wine in new bottle. People started thinking that HST project shall remain only on paper and in announcements.
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Major obstacle was very high project cost and very poor rate of returns. Govt could not muster courage to go for the project. But the Modi govt could break the ice and manage a very cheap loan with very favourable payment condition. As a result an estimated Economic rate of return is about 12%, which is not bad.
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HST should not be a very big deal for India, the third largest and one of the fastest growing economy of the world.Today it may appear that India is not ready for HST, but by the time of its commissioning (say 7 years), conditions shall be much more favourable for introduction of HST. As the paying power of people, economy of the region & population too is likely to take a big jump by then.
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HST tag is long overdue for IR network which is fourth largest, and carry highest pax traffic and fourth largest freight traffic in world. Good thing about the project is that the destinations (BCT-ADI) chosen are based on best financial rate of return, rather than on political considerations which is normal practice in IR.