India-Japan Ministers Review Progress of Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

The ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project received a significant boost as Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism H.E. Hiromasa Nakano, jointly inspected key construction sites in Surat and Mumbai. Their visit symbolized the deepening Indo-Japanese cooperation in developing India’s first bullet train corridor.

Warm Welcome in Surat

H.E. Hiromasa Nakano was accorded a traditional Garba welcome upon his arrival at Surat International Airport. The reception was attended by prominent dignitaries including Surat MP Shri Mukesh Dalal, Mayor Shri Daxesh Mavani, Chairman of the Railway Board, senior officials of Railways, NHSRCL (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited), and members of the district administration.

Inspection at Track Slab Laying Facility in Surat

The ministers first visited the track construction base at the Surat HSR site, where they observed the advanced J-slab ballast-less track system being installed on the elevated viaduct. This modern track-laying technique ensures greater stability, safety, and longevity for high-speed rail operations. Installation of track slabs and permanent rail laying work are progressing at a rapid pace.

Just days earlier, Union Minister Shri Vaishnaw had personally overseen the installation of the first track turnout near Surat HSR station, a crucial milestone for the project.

Visit to BKC HSR Station, Mumbai

Travelling from Surat to Mumbai aboard the Vande Bharat Express, the ministers reached the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) site to assess progress on what will be one of the most advanced underground bullet train stations in India.

Minister Nakano, along with the Japanese delegation, lauded the quality and efficiency of the Vande Bharat Express, describing it as a remarkable achievement of Indian engineering.

Key Features of BKC Station

• The BKC station is being developed as a world-class underground terminal with three distinct levels: platform, concourse, and service floor.

• Excavation has reached a depth of over 30 metres, equivalent to a 10-storey building, with nearly 84% completion so far.

• The station will feature two entry/exit points—one near the Metro station and another close to the MTNL building—ensuring seamless connectivity.

• A passenger-friendly design with spacious interiors, modern amenities, and natural skylights will enhance the travel experience.

• Road and metro integration will make the BKC station a vital transport hub for Mumbai.

Project Milestones and Progress (as of September 2025)

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor spans 508 km, designed to drastically reduce travel time between the two major cities. Major achievements so far include:

• Viaducts: 323 km completed out of the total stretch.

• Pier Work: 399 km finished.

• Bridges: 17 river bridges, 5 PSC bridges, and 9 steel bridges completed.

• Track Bed: 211 km laid, with more than 4 lakh noise barriers installed for safety.

• Tunnels: Excavation underway for 7 mountain tunnels in Palghar; 5 km breakthrough achieved in the 21 km long NATM tunnel between BKC and Shilphata.

• Stations: Superstructure work in Gujarat stations is nearing completion, while construction of three elevated stations in Maharashtra has begun.

• Depots: Rolling stock depots at Surat and Ahmedabad are under construction.

Strengthening India-Japan Partnership

The visit of Japan’s Minister Nakano underlines the robust bilateral partnership driving this transformative project. Japan is not only providing technical expertise and financial assistance but also sharing its decades of experience in high-speed rail technology.

Union Minister Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train will serve as a benchmark for modern infrastructure projects in India, setting new standards of speed, safety, and passenger comfort.

When operational, the bullet train is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from nearly six hours to just over two hours, revolutionizing passenger mobility and boosting regional connectivity.