Mumbai to Delhi: 3 hours by train?
Just read this amazing news on ExpressIndia.com with an expected cost of USD 30 billions. Yes I know Indian economy is growing, and dreaming high is a good thing – but when I hear such proposals – invariably from NRIs, it leaves me but wondering do we have any idea where we are going to. Sometimes I get the feel that some NRIs and even RIs get so heady in their initial success that they think anything and everything is possible. I am reminded of some of the many overhyped ventures that started off during the boom days. When we look at the Indian economy today, the real growth is not coming from
some fancy company developing some state-of-the art products, but rather from industries providing tried and trusted basic services (and I include the Infosys and the Wipros as they are providing very basic services required for running any company, with a much better cost and delivery structure – the need and the product itself was in existence long before they emerged.) The other Indian making news and waves these days is Laxmi Mittal of Mittal steel, again another basic commodity! These guys are doing a great job – but what I want to say is that these are not guys who will come up with projects like Delhi to Mumbai in 3 hours. So the question is – do we need more of these guys – the Mittals and even Murthys or should we target to find the Maglev elevated NRIs? The answer will be rather obvious if you ask our sci-fied President I am sure 😉
"Even the US, which has been showing interest in the maglev train system, has found it difficult to implement it, due to the high cost."
Then was the news even worth reporting?
Didn’t quite get your point Arun!
Come to Goa, and learn about the great Skybus story. NRI’s have a fascination for big things because they consider basic necessities as achieved. Technology adoption among NRI’s and RI’s are like chalk and cheese. RI’s want a cheap, safe train journey..while NRI’s fancy fast, levitating luxurious with half of Mumbai’s suburban population underneath them.
1 killed in Goa Skybus mishap – Deccan Herald, 26 September 2004
Touted as the urban transportation system of the future, the Skybus had failed to get a safety certification from the Central authorities up to now.
That’s the image of the Goa Skybus for me. And talking to my Goan friends, I haven’t heard much to change that view.
Now regarding the NRI view of India having achieved basic necessities, I think the blame partly lies with RIs and the government. Thats the image they are trying hard to sell outside of India.
I myself have been stamped anti-national for working for a charity trying to help underprivileged children in India – as I am told that I am highlighting the wrong thigns about India. So there you go… 🙂