India has launched its First Bullet Train Project on Thursday, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has launched work to build India’s first high-speed train in P.M Modi’s hometown Gujarat.

This project is mostly funded as a loan of $17bn from japan, this bullet train will run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The service will start operating in five years time, then a total of 500km journey time will be expected to cut to three hours from current eight hours.

"My good friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a far-sighted leader. He took a decision two years ago to bring high-speed train in India and to create a new India," said Mr.Abe after laying foundation stone on Thursday.

"I hope to enjoy the beautiful scenery of India through the windows of the bullet train when I come back here in a few years." he said.

The 750 train seat is scheduled to run from August 2022. Indian Railways System carries more than 22 million passengers a day, much of its equipment is out-of-date leading to frequent accidents and chronic delays. This part of government’s ambition to link major cities with high speed trains.

But critics say that passengers would be better served if investments were made to improve safety on current, aging rail network. Whereas, supporters say that high speed trains will lead to improved commuter convenience, reduced congestion, more business and improved infrastructure along the route.

Bullet trains was one of P.M’S Key election promises in 2014 election. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail transport and even some of their trains are ranked among the fastest in the world.

"This technology will revolutionize and transform the transport sector," says Indian Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.

Prime Ministers of both the countries are expected to sign several agreements during the visit and they also inaugurate a Japanese industrial park. The two leaders enjoy a close friendship.

By A.s