Bullet train concept not possible in India: TMC

“It is a hoax and a false promise,” Bandyopadhyay said, adding bullet trains have a separate structure.

“It is bogus on Indian soil,” he added.

He also said that the government should look at railway bridges which are over 100 years old as it involves safety and security of passengers.

Bandyopadhyay said there is a huge vacancy for gangmen and drivers.

Vacancies for gangmen have reached two lakh and there is also a shortage of rail drivers, he said.

“Drivers are overburdened. Between 3 am and 5 am, rail drivers feel sleepy and during that time accidents happen,” he said.

He asked the government, “when will you fill these vacancies…I want to know the operating ratio of railways”?.

The TMC leader said more attention needs to be given to complete dedicated freight corridor projects.

He added that base kitchen, cleanliness, food safety and quality should get priority.

The member said the focus is also required on the work culture of Indian railways.

The train journey should be a journey of joy and not fear, he said, adding integrating rail budget with the general budget has not helped the railway sector.

Rajan Vichare (SS), Dileshwar Kamait JD (U), C Sahoo (BJD) and Fazlur Rahman (BSP) also participated in the discussions.

Rahman said the bullet train is being planned only for few people and if the government would spend half of the amount on small cities, it will help in improving railways.