Improving our transportation infrastructure
In a vast country like India, transportation links are vital. They are the lifeline of the country just like blood vessels are to the human body. Road, rail, and air links must be seamlessly interlinked. They are like the armed forces - road links are like the army, rail links are like the navy and air links are like the airforce. Just as the country takes great pride in and cares for the welfare of the armed forces, as they should, the leaders should also look upon transportation infrastructure similarly.
If it takes days to travel from one part of the country to another, people in one part of the country will lose connection with those in the opposite corner. Pride in nationhood will thrive when people are brought together. There is no better way than to do it by improving road, air, and rail connectivity. In many countries, you can land in an airport from another continent, take a long distance train from the same airport you land in, and travel great distances in the same comfort as an airplane.
The concept of ‘last kilometer’ connectivity is also very important. From the train station and airports to people’s houses, travel can sometimes take hours due to traffic. If the local metro system is integrated into the transportation grid, then 24/7 people can keep moving. The productivity of workers will improve, tourism will get a boost, and there will be closer interaction between city dwellers and rural folk. People may then wish to live in villages rather than congested cities. There will be growth in the hinterland which has been lacking due to the migration of people into cities for better opportunities.
Our country is blessed with so much natural wealth and diversity. We have rain forests, deserts, high mountains, sea coasts, plains, and much more. Some of these places are hard to reach currently. If we improve access, people will rather explore and enjoy our country rather than seeking foreign destinations for leisure travel. Our economy will get a tremendous boost.
Whenever we have the opportunity, let’s send letters to our elected leaders reminding them of the promises made to us prior to them getting elected. Let’s work together to have world-class transportation infrastructure in India and let it be the means to showcase our immensely blessed country to the wide world.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
May 15, 2019
If it takes days to travel from one part of the country to another, people in one part of the country will lose connection with those in the opposite corner. Pride in nationhood will thrive when people are brought together. There is no better way than to do it by improving road, air, and rail connectivity. In many countries, you can land in an airport from another continent, take a long distance train from the same airport you land in, and travel great distances in the same comfort as an airplane.
The concept of ‘last kilometer’ connectivity is also very important. From the train station and airports to people’s houses, travel can sometimes take hours due to traffic. If the local metro system is integrated into the transportation grid, then 24/7 people can keep moving. The productivity of workers will improve, tourism will get a boost, and there will be closer interaction between city dwellers and rural folk. People may then wish to live in villages rather than congested cities. There will be growth in the hinterland which has been lacking due to the migration of people into cities for better opportunities.
Our country is blessed with so much natural wealth and diversity. We have rain forests, deserts, high mountains, sea coasts, plains, and much more. Some of these places are hard to reach currently. If we improve access, people will rather explore and enjoy our country rather than seeking foreign destinations for leisure travel. Our economy will get a tremendous boost.
Whenever we have the opportunity, let’s send letters to our elected leaders reminding them of the promises made to us prior to them getting elected. Let’s work together to have world-class transportation infrastructure in India and let it be the means to showcase our immensely blessed country to the wide world.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
May 15, 2019