When Will India's First Bullet On Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor Become Operational?

India's first bullet train service on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is slated to begin operations by August 2027, with significant progress made in construction and infrastructure. This project underscores India's commitment to enhancing transportation and infrastructure through collaborative efforts with Japan.

India's first bullet train is set to commence operations by August 2027, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, covering 508 kilometres and connecting 12 stations, marks a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development. The announcement was made during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Ganpat University in Mehsana.

"You are all aware how work on the bullet train is progressing speedily. It is going very smoothly in Gujarat - wire ducts have been completed, girders installed, and work on the tracks and electric wiring is in progress. Recently, Japanese Minister Nakano visited Gujarat and reviewed the progress of the project. We have set a target to run the first bullet train by August 2027," Hindustan Times quoted Vaishnaw as saying.

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor includes stations such as Mumbai (Bandra Kurla Complex), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this ₹1.1-lakh crore project in September 2017 at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad.

Progress and Developments

Significant progress has been reported by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Approximately 323 kilometres of viaduct and 399 kilometres of pier work have been completed. Additionally, 17 river bridges, five PSC bridges, and nine steel bridges are finished. Over four lakh noise barriers have been installed along the route.

Construction is underway on seven mountain tunnels in Palghar. Five kilometres of the 21-km NATM tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex and Shilphata have achieved breakthrough. Rolling stock depots are being built in Surat and Ahmedabad. Superstructure work at all Gujarat stations is progressing well.

Gujarat's Infrastructure Achievements

Vaishnaw highlighted Gujarat's infrastructure achievements over the past decade. The state has constructed 2,764 kilometres of new railway lines in the last 11 years. This surpasses Denmark's total railway network length. Investments worth ₹1.46 lakh crore have been made in Gujarat's railway sector during this period.

Gujarat's contributions extend beyond railways into semiconductors and electronics sectors. The state has attracted ₹1.25 lakh crore investment in semiconductors with four major plants under development. Thirty Japanese companies are preparing to manufacture key components in Gujarat.

Collaborative Efforts with Japan

On October 3, Vaishnaw and Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano visited project sites in Surat and Mumbai to review progress. "You are all aware how work on the bullet train is progressing speedily," said Vaishnaw during his address at the conference.

The electronics manufacturing industry in India has grown significantly over the past decade. It now stands at ₹12 lakh crore according to Vaishnaw's statement at the conference.

The collaborative efforts between India and Japan aim to ensure timely completion of this ambitious project while fostering technological advancements within both countries' infrastructure sectors.