Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Sees Significant Progress; Railway Minister Shares Details

New Delhi: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is progressing rapidly, with key construction activities underway across multiple locations along the corridor, according to an update shared by the Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on social media on Tuesday.

During the Winter session of the Parliament in November, Railway Minister Vaishnaw was asked about India’s first indigenous high-speed train and the progress of the MAHSR project. In response, the Union Minister stated: “Presently, the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project is under execution with technical and financial assistance with the Government of Japan.”

Key Construction Updates Along the Route

The bullet train corridor covers major locations including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, and Ahmedabad.

In Mumbai, major underground construction is in progress at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), where the BKC underground station and multiple shafts at locations like Vikhroli and Ghansoli are under development. Additionally, the main tunnel at Shilphata in Mumbai is also under construction. In Thane district, foundation and pier work is advancing at a steady pace.

Valsad district has seen significant activity with multiple viaducts under construction, including SBS OSLG-1 and 2, and FSLG-1. The launching of structures like GAD-68 and GAD-9 has been completed. Pier work at the Daman Ganga River site is finished, and station construction at Vapi is progressing. Further work is underway at the Kolak, Par, and Auranga Rivers.

Navsari district has also recorded advancements with station construction at Bilimora in progress and the launching of bridges over the Kharera and Kaveri Rivers completed. In Surat district, viaduct construction is progressing between Ch. 286-292, while bridge work continues over the Narmada River in Bharuch district.

Vadodara district has witnessed construction across multiple viaducts and station work is ongoing at Vadodara. In Kheda district, the steel bridge at GAD-31 has been launched, while bridge work over the Mohar River is progressing. Ahmedabad district has nearly completed bridge work over the Vatrak and Meshwa Rivers, and station work in Ahmedabad is ongoing.

State-of-the-Art Sabarmati Passenger Terminal Hub

The video shared by the Railway Minister also highlighted the Sabarmati Passenger Terminal Hub, a key component of the project, which features a twin-structured design accommodating offices, commercial spaces and retail outlets.

Designed for seamless connectivity, it offers dedicated pick-up and drop-off bays, ample parking, and a Concourse Floor at the third-floor level, which includes waiting areas, retail spaces, and restaurants.

Block A of the Hub, comprising six floors, is designated for office spaces, while Block B, with four floors, will house a hotel with banquet halls, conference rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

The facility will also feature a ticket counter for Indian Railways, enhancing passenger convenience. Paying tribute to Sabarmati’s historical significance, a large stainless steel mural depicting the Dandi March movement adorns the Hub’s southern facade.

The Hub integrates green building features, including solar panels, landscaped terraces, energy-efficient fixtures, and enhanced natural lighting. It is designed to connect the High-Speed Rail (HSR) station with Western Railway stations, Metro stations, and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) via Foot Overbridges (FOBs), three of which will be equipped with travellators.

National High-Speed Rail Corporation’s Role

NHSRCL, incorporated on 12 February 2016, under the Companies Act, 2013, was established to finance, construct, maintain, and manage India’s high-speed rail corridor. It operates as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equity participation from the Central Government through the Ministry of Railways, along with the Governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The bullet train project is expected to bring multiple benefits, including reduced travel time, lower vehicle operation costs, decreased pollution, increased job opportunities, enhanced safety, and fuel import substitution. The project is also anticipated to boost infrastructure development and economic growth.

To ensure efficient execution, NHSRCL estimates a workforce requirement of approximately 3,000-4,000 officials proficient in high-speed rail technology. To facilitate skill development, an exclusive high-speed rail training institute is under construction in Vadodara.

Upon completion, India will join an elite group of around 15 countries operating high-speed rail networks, marking a major milestone in the nation’s infrastructure development.

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Railway Minister Asserts Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project on Track