Bullet Trains: The Secret Of China’s Growth

Kolkata: As the train route for India’s first bullet train has been identified, it is believed that India will soon have its bullet trains. Taking this opportunity, I am sharing my first experience with China’s high-speed train.

Before I begin, let me clarify that the bullet train is considered a high-speed train in China.

In May 2015, when I landed in Beijing and was trying my best to get acquainted with the city, a friend of mine, Aakash Salampuriar, came to meet me. He was there on a scholarship. During our meeting, he asked, “Did you check out the high-speed train?” I replied, “You mean the bullet train? No, not yet.” To this, he said, “You should. When you travel by China’s high-speed trains, it will be an unforgettable experience.”

It took me a fortnight to make my first trip on a high-speed train, but it turned out to be a significant one — from Beijing to Shanghai, as I had to visit Wuxi, a city in Jiangsu province. Wuxi is only 117 kilometers away from Shanghai and, due to its rapid growth, is often referred to as “Little Shanghai.” Wuxi and Suzhou, two neighboring cities, host offices of all the Fortune 500 companies.

My company’s human resources representative accompanied me to the Beijing Nan (South) station. Upon arrival, I realized that navigating the enormous and crowded station alone would have been challenging. Entering the station and reaching the platform seemed like a daunting task.

Beijing Nan station, inaugurated in 2011, serves as a hub for trains traveling to every part of China. The cleanliness of the station stood out, especially considering that around a lakh (100,000) commuters use it daily. Reports suggest that approximately 2.2 lakh (220,000) people travel daily between China’s national capital and its financial capital using high-speed trains.

The cleanliness is maintained by two contributing factors: the tireless efforts of the cleaning staff, who work round the clock, and the disciplined behavior of travelers, who ensure their waste is disposed of in the numerous dustbins installed around the station.

High-speed trains reduce travel time to one-third of what regular trains take, and as a result, they primarily feature chair cars to accommodate more passengers and allow for quicker reservations.

Tickets between Beijing and Shanghai are priced at RMB 550, which is quite reasonable considering the reduced travel time. The ticket includes a QR code and the traveler’s name printed on it.

Interestingly, passengers can enter the platform premises only 15 minutes before the train’s departure. Anyone arriving less than five minutes before departure will not be allowed in, even if the train is still at the platform. However, tickets can be exchanged for the next available train without any fare deduction.

Upon entering the train, stewards, dressed as professionally as airline cabin crew, warmly welcome passengers. As expected from the clean platform, the train’s interiors, including the coaches and toilets, were spotless. Staff members were available round the clock to ensure cleanliness throughout the journey.

Now, for the most crucial aspect: speed and travel time. The maximum speed during my journey was 309 kilometers per hour. At such speed, the external view from the window becomes the only indicator of the train’s velocity. The train covered 1,200 kilometers in just 5 hours and 10 minutes to reach Wuxi, while it takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach Shanghai. Delays are rare and usually last no more than 5 or 10 minutes.

To put it into perspective, the distance between Delhi and Howrah (1,400 kilometers) could be covered in less than six hours with such trains.

China has a high-speed railway network spanning approximately 20,000 kilometers, connecting all provinces. On January 6 this year, China unveiled the world’s longest high-speed railway line, stretching 2,760 kilometers between Beijing and Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. This journey now takes only 13 hours to complete.

After leaving the train, I had only one thought: if such a facility were available in India, it would save so much time that could be utilized for more productive activities. Currently, Indian trains not only take significantly longer but are also frequently delayed.

It’s no surprise that most people in China prefer high-speed trains. They eliminate lengthy check-ins and security procedures, allow unlimited luggage, and offer a fast, comfortable journey.

It will be fascinating to see how bullet trains reshape lives in India once they are introduced.