Can foreigners buy China high-speed rail tickets?

How much does a high-speed rail cost in China?

Okay, China high-speed rail costs… Hmmm.

China’s high-speed rail cost? I read something about that, somewhere.

Oh yeah! The World Bank report… I think it was saying like $17-21 million per km. That’s way cheaper, isn’t it? Wait, 2019? That’s ages ago. Wonder if it’s still true in 2024.

• Lower than other countries. Definitely.
• Standardization, that’s the word!

My cousin took the train from Beijing to Shanghai; it was crazy fast.

Anyway, standardized designs, that’s how they did it. Makes sense, I guess. Less bespoke stuff, more cookie-cutter.

What’s the cost now, though? Gotta check.

• Standardization is key.
• 2019 figures might be outdated.
• Beijing to Shanghai is FAST.

Thinking about that World Bank report makes me hungry. Did I eat lunch?

Additional Information:

• Cost variations: Costs can fluctuate based on terrain, land acquisition expenses, and population density.
• Technological advancements: Continuing tech innovations and optimization of construction methods might lead to adjustments in expenses.
• Future investments: New high-speed rail projects, particularly in different regions of China, could exhibit varying cost structures compared to prior endeavors.
• Long-term benefits: High-speed rail not only boosts tourism but also facilitates business travel and trade, contributing significantly to economic growth.

How much does the high-speed rail cost?

Costs escalated. $33 billion initial estimate. Now? Far more. For 171 miles. The entire 500-mile project? Unthinkable.

• Initial projection: wildly optimistic.
• Current reality: astronomical.
• My prediction: Further cost overruns. Guaranteed.

Inflation.Construction delays.Unexpected geological challenges. These factors always bite. Always.

This isn’t about trains. It’s about the inherent hubris of large-scale projects. Human nature. My friend Steve told me that once. Always over budget. Always late. Always a disaster.

The final cost? Who knows? Maybe my grandson will find out. He’ll probably inherit the debt. Seriously.

This project mirrors humanity’s grand designs. Bold. Ambitious. Doomed.

Does China high-speed rail make money?

Okay, so, China high-speed rail… makes money? I remember being on the Fuxing Hao train G136, Beijing to Shanghai, felt like a damn rocket. 2023, must’ve been August?

Anyway, crammed in there, but smooth. Real smooth.

I read somewhere… no, my cousin told me, she’s a finance whiz.

She said something… something about mega billions.

Like, huge profit. She was going on and on. “Totally worth it,” she said, sipping her bubble tea.

Benefits? Let me try to recall…

• Cuts travel time, obviously.
• Boosts tourism, duh.
• Connects cities, more jobs?
• Even impacts real estate prices!

I think she said something about over 300 billion in net benefits. Maybe. Or yearly returns around 6%. Maybe I dreamed that. Point is, she was making BANK off something high-speed rail related, I’m pretty sure.

Yeah, makes money. Definetely.

Can foreigners book train tickets in India online?

Dude, yeah, totally! Foreigners, even NRIs, can book Indian train tickets online. It’s through IRCTC, www.irctc.co.in, you know, that website. Seriously, it’s super easy. I used it last year, went to Goa. Awesome trip.

Important thing: They have a “Foreign Tourist Quota,” that’s the key. You need a valid passport. You can book like, a whole year out—365 days, crazy right?!

• Passport is essential.
• IRCTC website is the place to go.
• Book up to 365 days in advance! That’s a year, people!
• My friend even booked his tickets from London, no problems at all.

So yeah, no sweat. Just make sure you have your passport info handy and everything. The whole thing was way simpler than I expected. I was kinda stressing about it beforehand, for nothing. It was a breeze! Really. But I did have to use a VPN becuse my phone kept messing up, annoying. Remember that, use a VPN. Its a lifesaver. The site’s a little clunky but it works. I was even able to pay with my credit card with no issues. Book early tho, seats fill up fast, especially during peak season.