It is good news that Indonesia is opting out of plans to build a high-speed rail in favour of a cheaper option ("Jakarta scraps high-speed rail project"; last Saturday). The money saved can be spent on development schemes, which are in greater need.

Having a high-speed rail requires a high degree of engineering skill and meticulous track maintenance. Good skilled manpower is not easy to get, and the safe and ongoing maintenance of the track is a challenge, given the shortage of skilled labour and the threat of terror attacks.

A high-speed rail can also be considered unnecessary in the era of tablets, smartphones and the Internet, which reduce the need for a person to be physically present.

Businessmen and people who need to travel urgently can opt for air travel instead.

In countries that struggle to fund basic development schemes to alleviate poverty, investment in a high-speed rail is not only an avoidable waste but also socially counter-productive.

M. V. Ramani