India’s First High-Speed Rail Project: Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Makes Progress in Maharashtra
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project has made notable headway in Maharashtra, with construction activity progressing at multiple locations. The Central Government has informed Parliament that foundation work is currently underway at three stations in the state, while tunnelling work is advancing on the project’s under-sea section.
Responding in writing to a Lok Sabha query on December 10, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that station foundation works are ongoing at Thane, Virar, and Boisar. He also confirmed that around four kilometres of the planned 21-kilometre under-sea tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata have already been completed.
Official figures indicate that Maharashtra has seen the completion of approximately 62 kilometres of foundation work, along with 55 kilometres of pier construction. Girder casting has progressed for about five kilometres, while girder launching has been carried out over one kilometre so far.
The 508-kilometre-long Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is being developed with financial and technical support from Japan. The route passes through Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and will feature 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.
In Gujarat, the project has advanced significantly. Data shared by the Railway Minister shows that foundation work spanning 352 kilometres and pier construction over 351 kilometres have been completed. Girder casting and launching have reached 339 kilometres and 328 kilometres respectively.
Track laying has been finished along 124 kilometres in Gujarat, while overhead electrical mast installation has progressed across 80 kilometres. Additionally, foundation work has been completed at all planned stations in the state, including Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.