Source telegraph India
New Delhi: A former Japanese minister has sharply criticized India over the prolonged delay in the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, commonly known as the bullet train project. Calling the situation a result of “sheer recklessness,” the ex-official expressed frustration over what he described as slow decision-making and administrative inefficiencies on the Indian side.
The high-profile infrastructure project, a symbol of strategic cooperation between India and Japan, has faced repeated setbacks since its inception. Initially scheduled for completion in the early 2020s, the project has struggled with land acquisition hurdles, regulatory delays, and coordination challenges between central and state authorities.
The former Japanese minister noted that Japan had committed significant financial and technical support to ensure the project’s success, including low-interest loans and advanced Shinkansen technology. However, he suggested that the pace of implementation has not matched expectations, raising concerns about project viability and timelines.
Officials in New Delhi, however, have defended their approach, pointing to the complexities involved in executing such a large-scale infrastructure initiative in a densely populated country. They argue that progress has accelerated in recent years, especially after key land acquisition issues were resolved in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Despite the criticism, both nations continue to emphasize the importance of the project as a cornerstone of their bilateral partnership. Experts believe that once completed, the bullet train corridor could significantly reduce travel time, boost economic growth, and modernize India’s rail infrastructure.
The project remains under close scrutiny, as stakeholders from both countries look to overcome existing challenges and ensure timely delivery of one of India’s most ambitious transportation ventures.
