Maglev trains coming to Mumbai India

So here we have another proposal to transform Mumbai into Shanghai. Maglev train “may be” launched soon. But hey wait, what exactly is a maglev train? Maglev trains use magnetic field to float above specially laid electromagnetic tracks thus canceling contact & resultant friction. As a result attaining high speeds of up to 550kmph. The technology involved is very costly(about 10-20 crore per kilometre) and has not been implemented on a large scale except in Japan & China. Other maglev projects worldwide are being studied for feasibility. However, scientific, economic and political barriers and limitations have hindered the widespread adoption of the technology.

So then why is Mumbai out on a prowl? May be Finance Minister Jayant Patil is on a high after traveling in trains around the world. But please remind him he is in India right now. Especially when the development plans of both Western & Central railways are running much behind schedule it is rather ridiculous to think about this and moreover run a feasibility study. The ministry has gone to the extent of deciding routes for these trains. Frankly I believe we are just wasting our time and money thinking about all this. There are other ways and means of decongesting the load on the present rail network. I accept we have dreams but we can’t forget hard hitting realities. We need to concentrate on completing our present challenges including the metro railway. I’m sure there will be a time when Indians will travel by maglev trains but I guess this dream needs some more time to materialise.