The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, a crowning jewel in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives, is projected to commence operations in Gujarat by the culmination of 2027. This strategic move, orchestrated by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), underscores the priority accorded to Gujarat, given its advanced state of project completion.
Early Operational Phase: A Pragmatic Approach
In a prudent maneuver, the NHSRCL plans to inaugurate the first phase of operations in Gujarat, capitalizing on the substantial progress achieved there. This initial phase is anticipated to coincide with the Gujarat Assembly election in 2027, thereby augmenting its political significance. An NHSRCL spokesperson elaborated, “Trial runs are slated for 2026 between Surat and Bilimora, a 50-kilometer stretch. Given the project’s advanced stage in Gujarat, it is sagacious to commence commercial operations here and subsequently extend services to Maharashtra as construction concludes.”
Strategic Layout and Timelines
Spanning a formidable 508 kilometers, the rail corridor boasts a predominantly elevated structure, with 90% of its length perched above ground. The corridor will be punctuated by twelve stations, eight in Gujarat—Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, and Vapi—and four in Maharashtra—Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai. Notably, the NHSRCL envisions operationalizing the segment between Vadodara and Vapi by 2027.
Expedited Connectivity: A Game Changer
This high-speed rail service is poised to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, slashing the journey duration to a mere three hours. Currently, the swiftest train on this route, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat, completes the journey in five and a half hours, while air travel takes approximately 95 minutes. The bullet train’s advent is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency and convenience.
Progress Milestones: A Detailed Overview
As of May 2024, the project has achieved an overall progress of 44%, with 53% completion in Gujarat and 25.6% in Maharashtra. By June, of the 508-kilometer route, 183 kilometers of viaduct and 313 kilometers of pier work have been completed. Land acquisition, a critical precursor, has been successfully finalized, encompassing 1,390 hectares—960 in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 430 in Maharashtra.
Technological Advancements and Infrastructure
The track laying process is well underway in Gujarat, bolstered by the delivery of over 35,000 metric tonnes of rails and three sets of track construction machinery stationed at Surat and Vadodara. The assembly, testing, and commissioning of this machinery are in progress, heralding a new era of high-speed rail travel in India.
In Maharashtra, the construction of India’s inaugural undersea rail tunnel, a 7-kilometer segment part of the project’s 21-kilometer tunnel between Bandra and Kurl(‘), is a significant milestone. This tunnel, funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA), underscores the project’s monumental scale and technological prowess.
Financial and Operational Aspects
The total cost of this monumental project is estimated at Rs. 1.08 lakh crore, a figure that may be subject to revision owing to delays in completion. The last tranche of funding, amounting to 400 billion Japanese yen or approximately Rs. 22,627 crore, was secured in December 2023 through a collaborative agreement between JICA and the Indian government.
Summary:
| Key Learning Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Phase | Operations to start in Gujarat by 2027 |
| Trial Runs | Expected to begin in 2026 between Surat and Bilimora |
| Corridor Layout | 508 km, 90% elevated, 12 stations |
| Travel Time Reduction | Travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad reduced to 3 hours |
| Project Progress | 44% overall progress, 53% in Gujarat, 25.6% in Maharashtra |
| Land Acquisition | Completed for 1,390 hectares |
| Technological Advances | Track laying and undersea tunnel construction underway |
| Financial Aspects | Project cost estimated at Rs. 1.08 lakh crore, with recent ODA funding |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
