A strong India in Japan's interest, says Abe

Ahmedabad, Sept 14: The fast-growing India-Japan ties got a major fillip. Modi said that no country can grow if they don’t dream big. “To grow one needs to expand his dreams and decide his strength to achieve that.” “Bullet train is a project that will provide pace to development. Along with new technology it will also bring results faster.” In his remarks, Abe said “a strong India is in Japan’s interest, and a strong Japan is in India’s interest. Today, on this day, that part of the bright future is seen in solid form.” Abe expressed the hope that he will soon enjoy the beautiful green scenery of India through the windows of bullet train “when I come back here in a few years”.

Modi said that with the foundation laying of the project India has fulfilled its very old dream. Modi also expressed gratitude to Japan for providing technology and fincial assistance of Rs 88,000 crore at 0.1 per cent interest. The high speed rail project that is scheduled to be completed by 2022, has been finced by Japan. Of the Rs 1.08 lakh crore, Japan is giving a loan of Rs 88,000 crore at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent for 50 years. And the repayment will begin only after 15 years. The high speed train would also pass through the country’s longest tunnel of 21 km, of which seven km will be under the sea. According to Railway Ministry officials, the operating speed of the bullet train would be 320 kmph and the maximum speed would be 350 kmph. (IANS)