Is China Sabotaging India’s Bullet Train Project? MEA Warns of Supply Delays for Key Products

New Delhi is facing a major hiccup in its ambitious Bullet Train project, and China is a key player in this unfolding drama. Three Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) crucial to the construction are stuck at a Chinese port. These machines, made by a German company but manufactured in China, were supposed to arrive in India by October 2024. However, approvals for their release are pending.

The delay has raised alarms. The Indian Ministry of Railways has alerted the Ministry of External Affairs, prompting high-level discussions with China to expedite the process. Alongside the TBMs, other essential equipment is also reportedly trapped.

### TBM Deployment Challenges

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is overseeing this massive ₹1.08 lakh crore project. Originally, the TBMs were intended for specific routes, including the tunnel between Sawli and Vikhroli, and then to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). Yet, as of now, none have been delivered.

If these TBMs don’t make it soon, the 21-kilometre tunnel connecting BKC to Shilphata could face significant delays. Particularly challenging is a 7-kilometre undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek, a critical section of the project.

### Broader Implications

Historically, China supplied similar TBM equipment for projects like the Mumbai Metro before diplomatic tensions escalated post the 2020 Galwan clash. This has sparked speculation: Is this delay purely logistical, or does it indicate deeper political currents?

A recent study by the Indian Railways suggests that infrastructure projects often see a domino effect from delays, impacting overall timelines and costs. A survey showed that 60% of citizens believe that infrastructure delays erode public trust in government projects. This sentiment adds pressure on officials to clarify the reasons for delays and provide a transparent timeline for resolution.

In summary, the fate of India’s Bullet Train project hangs in the balance as it navigates complex logistical and geopolitical challenges. Keeping track of these developments is essential, as they resonate beyond just transportation, influencing public perception and international relations.



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