Challenge in Bihar
In the tumultuous arena of Bihar politics, where alliances shift like sand dunes in the wind, this election seems poised to redefine the political landscape.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone for Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail on Thursday, here’s a look at what the ambitious project will translate to in the long run.
*The 508 km project will cost an estimated Rs 1.08 lakh crore or USD 17 billion and is expected to be completed by 2022.
*81 per cent of the cost or Rs.88,000 will be financed by Japan at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent for 50 years. And the repayment will begin only after 15 years.
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*The trains will executive and economy class and the ticket fares will be comparable to that of AC-2 tier fare for Rajdhani Express.
*The bullet train will stop at 12 stations– Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.
*Of the 508 km stretch, 92 per cent (468 km) will be elevated, 6 per cent (27 km) in tunnels and the remaining 2 per cent (13 km) will be on the ground.
*A 21-km-long tunnel will be dug in Mumbai, with seven km of the stretch under sea.
*A total of 4300 Railway officers and staff will be trained by Japan to operate the high-tech trains.
*According to Railway Ministry officials, the operating speed of the bullet train would be 320 kmph and the maximum speed would be 350 kmph.
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