GIPE-PUNE-OIIOI2 - DSpace@GIPE

206. THE RAIL WA Y INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE OF INDIA
:rhe first equation establishes the parity between two'
peoples on the strength of absolute 'figures. This,
equality is valuable mainly in so far as the bulk or weight
of two groups as single units in world~economy is concerned.
It only proves that India is a big country. But
it possesses hardly any signifi:::ance and is indeed,
entirely misreading. in an estimate of the relative railway
"efficjency," "preparedness" or density, of the two·
countries. The really worth while parity is supplied by
the second equation which says that man for man the
Japanese is richer in railway power than the Indian
people.
The Japanese standard in railway weahh is not a,
high standard. And yet for India to~day to rise up to tLis.
level does not appear to be a question of practical politics.
The distance from 62,074 km to 87,145 km is almost
uncoverable at the rate of progress that India has been
exhibiting in rece.nt years. In 1927~28 some 700 miles.
i.e. 112