Bullet train project expected to be ready by 2029: Vaishnaw
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Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, also known as the bullet train, is making significant progress, with the Gujarat portion between Vapi and Sabarmati slated for completion by December 2027.The entire 508-km corridor, connecting Maharashtra to Sabarmati, is expected to be operational by December 2029, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.The MAHSR project, receiving technical and financial assistance from Japan, traverses Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. It will feature 12 stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the complexity and technology-intensive nature of the project. "Precise completion timelines would be more accurately determined after all associated works, including civil structures, track laying, electrical systems, signaling, telecommunications, and trainset supplies, are finalised," he said.The total estimated cost of the project stands at approximately ₹1,08,000 crore. Of this, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding 81 per cent (₹88,000 crore), with the remaining 19 per cent (₹ 20,000 crore) covered by equity contributions from the Ministry of Railways (50 per cent), the Maharashtra government (25 per cent), and the Gujarat government (25 per cent). As of June 30, a cumulative financial expenditure of ₹78,839 crore has been incurred.The minister acknowledged that initial delays in land acquisition in Maharashtra had impacted the project until 2021.However, he confirmed that the entire 1389.5 hectares required for the MAHSR project have now been acquired.Significant strides have been made in the preparatory and construction phases. The final location survey and geotechnical investigation are complete, and the alignment has been finalised.All necessary statutory clearances, including those related to wildlife, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), and forest, have also been secured.Updating on the ongoing construction, Vaishnaw stated that all civil contracts for the project have been awarded, with 24 out of 28 tender packages successfully granted. Physical progress includes the completion of 392 km of pier construction, 329 km of girder casting, and 308 km of girder launching.Notably, work has also commenced on the challenging 21 km under-sea tunnel.Looking beyond the current project, the minister highlighted the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL)'s efforts in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to expand India's HSR network to other major cities.He noted that new HSR projects are highly capital-intensive and decisions for their undertaking are based on various factors, including technical feasibility, financial and economic viability, traffic demand, and availability of funds and financing options.Regarding the commercial operation of the MAHSR project, Vaishnaw stated that an affordable fare structure would be implemented, considering the socio-economic conditions of the clientele to ensure optimal patronage of the high-speed rail services.
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