India's Bullet Train Corridor: A Glimpse into the Future

The ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, spanning 508 km, is making progress with completion slated for December 2029. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided an update in the Lok Sabha, highlighting that the Gujarat section should be completed by December 2027, traversing through Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 planned stations.

With Japanese financial and technical backing, the project faces challenges primarily due to its complexity. The estimated cost stands at Rs. 1,08,000 crore, with significant contributions from Japan. As of June 30, Rs. 78,839 crore has been spent. A delay in land acquisition in Maharashtra until 2021 has slightly set back timelines.

All civil contracts have been awarded, and significant construction activities are underway, including the under-sea tunnel and girder works. Efforts are being made to expand the high-speed rail network beyond the current corridor, with detailed project reports in preparation to meet rising passenger demand.

(With inputs from agencies.)