Thu Jul 17 02:34:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided information, written from the perspective of *The Hindu*, an Indian newspaper:
**California Bullet Train Derailed as US Government Pulls Funding**
**Los Angeles, July 17, 2025:** Hopes for a Californian high-speed rail project, envisioned to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles, have suffered a major setback as the US federal government has revoked $4 billion in funding. The decision, announced by the US Transportation Department, throws the future of the already-delayed project into further uncertainty.
The move is seen as another blow to California from the Trump administration, which has also clashed with the state on environmental regulations and social policies. President Trump has been a vocal critic, dismissing the project as a “train to nowhere” and citing cost overruns and delays.
While federal funding accounted for less than a quarter of the project’s total, the loss is significant. California has primarily relied on voter-approved bonds and revenue from its cap-and-trade program to finance the massive undertaking, estimated to cost over $100 billion. State officials are now scrambling to secure private investment to bridge the funding gap.
California authorities are defiant, asserting that the funding revocation is illegal and that the project has met all federal requirements. Governor Gavin Newsom accused the Trump administration of hindering progress and vowed to fight the decision. However, the project also faces scrutiny from within California, with some Democrats questioning the financial responsibility of its spending.
The original plan, approved by voters in 2008, envisioned a fully operational high-speed rail line this decade. Now, the state is focusing on a shorter 119-mile stretch connecting Bakersfield and Merced, with a projected completion date of 2033. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is preparing to release an updated funding plan and timeline this summer.
The future of California’s bullet train remains uncertain. The project’s struggles highlight the challenges of undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the face of political opposition and escalating costs. This development raises questions about infrastructure development within the United States, a significant market for various Indian firms.
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