At the Rising Bharat Summit 2024 in New Delhi, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported remarkable advancements in India’s long-awaited bullet train project. The project is expected to be completed by 2026, with services first running between Surat and Bilimora.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the bullet train will be more than simply a method of transportation, but also an innovative force, uniting the economy of cities along its path, including Mumbai, Thane, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Anand, and Ahmedabad. This integration will result in a unified economic zone, improving connections and economic activity.
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), in charge of carrying out the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, has reached important milestones. As of February 28, 143 km of girders have been launched, with 289 km of pier casting finished. Furthermore, 100% of the requisite land has been bought in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and all civil contracts in these states have been issued.
Funding and Costs
The MAHSR project, which was previously budgeted at Rs 1 lakh crore in 2015, is mostly supported by the Japanese government (81%). The remaining funds come from the Government of India (Ministry of Railways) (50%), Gujarat (25%), and Maharashtra (25%). This agreement indicates a common commitment to developing high-speed rail infrastructure in India.
Project Timeline and Challenges
While the project’s foundation was laid in September 2017, with completion scheduled for December 2023, many problems have delayed its timing. Challenges include the rate at which state governments acquire property, the necessity to move infringing utilities, legal and regulatory approvals, unanticipated situations, ongoing litigation, and climatic conditions. These complications forced changes to the project timeframe.
