In view of the horrific train accident in Odisha, the inauguration of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express on June was called off. In hindsight, the introduction of the fast Vande Bharat Express may not be such a good idea.
The decision to introduce the train needs to be re-evaluated. The treacherous Konkan terrain, with wire meshes holding huge boulders in place along the tracks, may not be able to withstand the rumblings of the high speed Vande Bharat Express.
A high speed train on the single line treacherous track is definitely not recommended. What is needed on the Konkan line are not fast trains but convenient, comfortable and affordable trains. A duplicate to the popular Konkan Kanya Express, which is always overbooked, will be most welcome.
The railways are said to be the 'Lifeline of the Nation'. By nation I mean the common man. Those in a hurry and can afford it, may travel by plane as the nation is well connected by airports. But running a high speed train like Vande Bharat is taking an avoidable risk.
