Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: Gujarat And Maharashtra Secure All Civil Contracts; Check The Progress

In a significant development, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has reported major milestones in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project across Gujarat and Maharashtra.

As per the latest update from Times Now, all civil contracts for this project have been awarded in both states. Additionally, contracts for depot and electrical works have also been finalised.

Project Background

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor was initiated in November 2021. Initially encountering challenges related to land acquisition, steady progress has been made since its launch following its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad on September 14, 2017.

NHSRCL operates as a 'Special Purpose Vehicle' under the Companies Act, 2013. It involves equity participation from the Central Government, the Ministry of Railways, and the Governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Engineering Feats In Gujarat

Key engineering achievements include India's first 350-metre mountain tunnel near Zaroli Village in Valsad, Gujarat. Steel bridges of 70 metres, 100 metres, and 130 metres have been completed in Surat, Anand, and Vadodara respectively.

Currently, 190 kilometres of a viaduct and 321 kilometres of pier work have been completed. Furthermore, land acquisition processes across Gujarat, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Maharashtra have been successfully concluded, facilitating smooth project execution.

Progress On River Bridges

Significant progress has been made on river bridges as well. Construction has been completed on eight out of the 24 planned river bridges. Notably, work on important rivers like Narmada, Tapti, Mahi, and Sabarmati is currently underway.

Mumbai Bullet Train Station Developments

The construction of India's first seven-kilometre undersea rail tunnel as part of a 21-kilometre tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata in Maharashtra has commenced. Excavation works for the Mumbai Bullet Train station and associated undersea tunnel shafts are actively progressing.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reaffirmed that the bullet train project is on track for completion by 2026. Services are expected to commence initially between Surat and Bilimora.

This ambitious project marks a significant leap forward in India's transportation infrastructure. The completion of various engineering feats underscores the project's progress towards enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.