Can we not develop Metro like China?

With new inventions, China is keeping the world surprised. In sectors like architecture, construction, and vehicles, it is creating wonders every day. Whether it’s cars that run on water, air taxis that fly without a driver, or trains that run without tracks… Wait a minute—trains without tracks?! Are you wondering how this is possible? Well, take a look at China’s railway system. Bullet trains, driverless monorails, and now metro trains without tracks—China is demonstrating how technology is being used for development, and the results are right in front of us. How is China able to create wonders beyond the West in any segment, be it architecture, construction, or vehicles? And how is it that only China seems to be achieving all of this?

Trains generally move on tracks. With signaling systems, locomotive pilots, junctions, and crossing gates, the railway network involves a huge backend system. But when it comes to metro trains, land acquisition needs to be done, and strong pillars have to be set up. These tasks take years to complete. By the time the metro train is operational, the traffic jams on the roads are a major issue for commuters. The less we talk about this, the better. This is the situation in our country. But right next door, China is creating sensational innovations in the transportation sector.

Have you ever seen trains running on roads? You might say, “There are tram trains!” But those still have tracks. Have you ever seen trains running like buses on roads without tracks? This isn’t some new technology from a James Bond movie. It’s China’s reality, which looks like a fantasy on the roads. Yes, these are the IRTs (Intelligent Rail Transit), which navigate based on technology without tracks, and even without drivers, twisting and turning to reach their destinations. These trains are a new addition to China’s railway network.

The IRTs, which run with electric support, don’t need tracks. They travel at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, and each coach can carry up to 100 passengers. When compared to regular buses, this number is ten times more. What’s special about IRTs is their ground communication signal system. As soon as the train reaches the traffic light intersection, the IRTs operate based on the commands from the base station control of the traffic light. This means they stop at red lights and move as soon as the light turns green.

These IRTs, which don’t need drivers, follow a virtual track-following technology. They run based on the traffic lanes on the road. Additionally, since there’s no pollution, they are also eco-friendly.

Where does our country stand?

China is great, no doubt! But where are we? With “Vande Bharat trains” and “fast trains,” India is still stuck at trial runs. Even these trains, which are often hailed as great, are facing accidents and setbacks, raising doubts about their quality. Meanwhile, the Dragon Country is constantly moving forward with the thought process of exploring how many different types of trains can be operated, how new models can be developed, and how public transport can be made easier. The question is, why aren’t our governments adopting this kind of thought process? Hyderabad’s second phase of metro is getting ready, so why shouldn’t the Revanth government embrace such technologies?

When it comes to using technology, Japan is often the first country that comes to mind. But China has changed that perception many years ago. With its innovations, the Dragon Country is continuously demonstrating to the world how to effectively use technology. We often look at their inventions and say “Wow!” but we rarely question why we can’t think like them. While China competes with the US to dominate the world with advanced technology, the Indian government seems stuck in historical issues, digging up the past and getting caught up in debates, without thinking about the future. However, there are still many who hope that our governments will start thinking more advanced and forward-thinking in the future.

Is it not possible in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad is set to begin the second phase of metro work soon, and the route map has already been prepared. But the land acquisition process is getting stuck. Instead of causing trouble for people under the guise of land acquisition and wasting time with tenders, why not consider something like IRTs that run on roads? Moreover, compared to the traditional metro system, this would be more cost-effective. Since they are pollution-free, such metro trains contribute to the net-zero city vision that the Chief Minister often talks about.

For the growing population and those who rely on public transport, it is the government’s responsibility to provide as many facilities as possible. Instead of boasting about what has been done for the people, offering more infrastructure and transportation facilities at a lower cost would truly benefit the public. With the technological developments like AI cities, IT parks, and net-zero cities that Telangana’s CM is envisioning for the Fourth City, why not consider advanced public transportation in that? If such initiatives are considered, it would be a great service to the people!