Latest news with #Mumbai-AhmedabadBulletTrainProject
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Railways targets to complete these 8 Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train stations by 2027
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: The Ministry of Railways is working in full swing for the completion of India's first bullet train project. The 508-km-long bullet train project stretches from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. The Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is being implemented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is being developed at a total estimated cost of Rs 1,08,000 crore. Out of these, Cumulative Financial expenditure of Rs 78,839 crore has been incurred on the project till June 30, 2025. The Ministry of Railways is targeting to complete Gujarat portion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train by 2027. In a written reply in Lok Sabha on July 23, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, 'The Gujarat portion of the corridor between Vapi and Sabarmati is planned to be completed by Dec, 2027.' The Minister was responding to a question raised by Lok Sabha MPs Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal and Devusinh Chauhan. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will have 12 stations. These are: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Thus, the national transporter will complete Vapi to Sabarmati section of the MAHSR corridor by December 2027. The Vapi-Sabarmati bullet train section will have eight stations – Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Additionally, the Railways has also targeted to complete the entire MAHSR project by 2029. 'The entire project (Maharashtra to Sabarmati section) is expected to be completed by Dec, 2029,' the minister said. Earlier this month, the first breakthrough was achieved in the 21 km long tunnel being constructed between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata in Maharashtra, marking the successful completion of a 27 km continuous tunnel section. Out of the total 21 km tunnel, 5 km is being constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) between Shilphata and Ghansoli, while the remaining 16 km will be built using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). The tunnel also includes a 7 km long undersea section beneath Thane Creek. Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read More
India.com
14-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Cancelled? Modi Govts BIG Move Amid Semi-High Speed Vande Bharat Train Introduction; Rail Ministry Says...
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: The Narendra Modi government today made a big announcement related to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. Notably, the high-speed Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train project is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plan to connect the two metro cities with India's first bullet train corridor. The Indian Railways on Monday announced that the first section of 21 km undersea tunnel of the Bullet train project has now been completed between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra, inching closer to the completion of the entire route. "The bullet train project has achieved a major milestone of opening the first section of the 21 km undersea tunnel between BKC and Thane. The bullet train project recently achieved a major milestone by completing 310 km of viaduct construction. Track laying, construction of overhead electrical wires, stations, and bridges are going on at a rapid pace. The construction work in Maharashtra has also picked up pace. In parallel, the progress on procurement of systems for operations and control is also going on well," said the Ministry of Railways. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Scrapped? Notably, some media reports have claimed that the Modi government cancelled the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project due to several reasons, including delays, and the train will be replaced with a semi-high-speed Vande Bharat express. While the government is reportedly planning to operate a Vande Bharat Chair Car train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, there is no truth in the reports claiming cancellation of the bullet train project, said the PIB. "Some articles and social media posts are claiming that the Railway Ministry has made a big decision regarding the bullet train - now the Japanese bullet train will not run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This claim is misleading. Ministry of Railways has not made any such decision," said the PIB Fact Check, the GoI's media handle to dispel fake news. कुछ आर्टिकल्स और सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट्स में दावा किया जा रहा है कि रेल मंत्रालय ने बुलेट ट्रेन को लेकर बड़ा फैसला लिया है - अब मुंबई से अहमदाबाद के बीच जापानी बुलेट ट्रेन नहीं चलेगी#PIBFactCheck यह दावा भ्रामक है | @RailMinIndia ने इस तरह का कोई निर्णय नहीं लिया है… — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 14, 2025 Bullet Train Project Update The construction work is in full swing on the entire bullet train corridor, with civil work of several stations and track work nearing completion. Below are key details Construction at Rapid Pace: Civil works are progressing at a rapid pace across the alignment. 310 km viaduct is constructed. 15 river bridges are completed and 4 are in the advanced stages of construction. Out of 12 stations, 5 are completed and 3 more are now reaching the completion stage. The station at BKC is an engineering marvel. The station will be located 32.5 m below ground and the foundation is designed to support the construction of a 95 m high building above ground. Japanese Technology: The entire 508 km corridor is being developed with Japanese Shinkansen technology. It will set new benchmarks for speed, safety, and reliability. This reflects the deep strategic and technological cooperation between India and Japan. Rolling Stock: Japanese Shinkansen is currently running E5 trains. Next generation trains are E10. In the spirit of strategic partnership between Japan and India, the Japanese government has agreed to introduce E10 Shinkansen trains in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train project. It is noteworthy that E10 will be introduced simultaneously in India and Japan. Future Corridors in Pipeline: The success of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is laying the foundation for future bullet train corridors in India. Future corridors are also under active consideration. This remarkable pace of development showcases India's capability to execute world-class infrastructure using cutting-edge global technology, with Japan playing a pivotal role as a trusted partner in this transformative journey.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Vishwamitri river project: Expert panel flags concern over ‘obstructions' due to Expressway, bullet train projects
A committee of environmental experts formed to supervise the ongoing desilting and dredging project of Vishwamitri river along its approximately 50-km course has raised concerns over 'obstructions' in the water flow due to ongoing projects of the National Highway Authority of India's Mumbai-Delhi Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor or the bullet train project, both in close proximity to the river course, according to a report. The development comes two months after the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) directed two departments — Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), responsible for the project in the city limit, and the Narmada and Water Resources, Water Supply (NWRWS) and Kalpsar Department which supervises it in district areas — to rope in the expert committee. The report submitted by the committee, which was made public on Tuesday, states that since the intervention activity of the VMC and Irrigation Departments are limited to the riverbanks of Vishwamitri River and not in the floodplain areas that include ravines, wetlands, oxbows and so on, 'The focus of this initiative seems to be to remove only 'silt and soil'… removal of debris and municipal solid waste should be the priority and focus to rejuvenate the river system… In the present scenario, the dumping of untreated and partially treated sewage in the context of river pollution has not been addressed towards the rejuvenation of the river.' The report, especially points at the works undertaken by NHAI related to expansion of surface and bridges of the existing National Highway (NH) 48 as well as the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, which has caused temporary, semi-temporary and permanent obstructions at some locations, stating that 'obstructions in the riverine areas and natural storm water ways that impede the effective flow of water…' The report further states, 'The completed works related to the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway (Bharuch-Vasad stretch) by NHAI have created permanent obstructions in natural flow of water during the rains from east to west. This creates a bottleneck situation at Dhadhar river near Sadad village of Vadodara district, and impedes the effective flow of water. As a result of this, the surrounding villages were also waterlogged in the monsoon of 2024. These impediments were not addressed proactively and in a timely manner by the concerned authorities, who were then repeatedly asked to share their action plans, which have not yet been received.' The committee had also pointed out that the ongoing Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project also 'has constructed their pillars at multiple locations in the river bed, on the river banks and active flood plains of the Vishwamitri River' that resulted in incomplete works of desilting and bank stabilisation. The report states, 'During our meetings, it was conveyed to us that a linear infrastructure railway project does not require environmental clearances. The various required permissions that were sought and received by them are awaited. The remedial plans for these obstructions were not addressed proactively and in a timely manner…' In a supplementary report submitted by the committee, after the NHSRCL reply was received, the committee said, 'The desilting and bank stabilization works that were unable to be completed by the VMC and the irrigation departments in their respectives sections due to the ongoing work of the bullet train, will be undertaken by the NHSRCL…' In its reply to the VMC on May 21, the NHSRCL submitted 10 documents that included Exemption from EC (Environmental Clearance) and CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) to railway projects, Right of Use Permission for Vishwamitri River, Cross section detail of all Vishwamitri River crossings, Note on action plan for clearance of temporary structures and post-construction restoration, superimposition of the Vishwamitri Alignment Plan with MAHSR (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail) pier location on the flood plain map, among others. The NHSRCL also shared a crocodile protection management plan. The letter, signed by Akshaya Kumar, Chief Project Manager of Surat, said, 'We affirm that all construction activities undertaken within the Vishwamitri River are in compliance with applicable norms and regulations…' In its report, the committee has also pointed out the reason for waterlogging in the city areas without the impact of river flood. The report states, 'Ad-hoc re carpeting of roads in the absence of topographic considerations have led to an increase of road levels, resulting in waterlogging during rainy days…The aquifer — confined and unconfined — and the subsurface flow data need to be acquired and analysed to resolve sinkholes and waterlogging…' Rohit Prajapati of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti — the organisation that had moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Bench, questioning the activities planned by the VMC as part of the project in 2016 — told The Indian Express, 'Without keeping in mind the contour of the city, the road height has been increased in various parts of the city, which is obstructing the waterways and inviting internal flooding.' Prajapati is also a part of the committee appointed to ensure that the May 2021 order of NGT, which had issued directions of implementation of the 'Vishwamitri River Action Plan', including steps for removal of unauthorised structures, demarcation and protection of flood plain zone and other action points as per the river restoration plan, were to be followed. Prajapati added: 'The paver blocks laid on several roads and sidewalks have also obstructed aquifers and the flow of water under the surface… This can be remedied by undertaking water recharging at a city level and not just in isolated spots.' Stating that the present project of desilting 'may reduce the flood risk', Prajapati said, 'The flood from Vishwamitri may reduce as it cannot be denied that the carrying capacity of the river has increased but the intervention is limited to the riverbank and the flood plain has not been considered. The aspect of removal of debris outside the bank, especially encroachments is an issue. At many places the vegetation from the bank has been removed unnecessarily and it may lead to erosion of the bank.' The committee also pointed out that a lack of coordination between the VMC and the Irrigation Department has caused a lag in the widening of the confluence point of the Vishwamitri with Dhadhar river at Jambuva. The report also states that the officials have concluded that 'it is not manually possible to divert the water at Ajwa reservoir below 211 feet and therefore, the proposed work on the spillway has not begun at Ajwa'. VMC Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu told this newspaper that the civic body had taken up the issue with the NHAI regarding the obstructions. Babu said, 'The NHAI had to clear obstructions from approximately 70 places, of which they claim to have completed 36 sites. However, since it has not been to our satisfaction, I have taken up the issue with the Gujarat NHAI officials. They have cited an issue with the contract, but we have asked them to resolve their problem and clear the obstruction… The VMC is as concerned about this as the committee…' Babu said that the VMC has also asked the NHAI to make culverts under the roads of the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway to allow flow of water and also clean the canals that are located along the project. Babu added that the NHSRCL has assured that it would clear six sites within the VMC limits, where the obstruction is present, by July. 'The NHSRCL has been willing to comply and also responded positively and so, by July the places where there is an obstruction will be clear,' Babu said. The VMC Commissioner added that the civic body has taken up the issue of expediting the work being undertaken by the Irrigation Department outside the jurisdiction of Vadodara city. Babu said, 'We have raised the issue with the irrigation department to ensure that the work on the confluence point in Jambuva is done in accordance with the recommendations of the Navalawala committee. They had cited some land acquisition issues and we took it up with the District Collector, who has assured that the matter will be resolved. So, hopefully, this work will be expedited.' The SHRC was hearing a matter pertaining to the safety of the citizens of Vadodara and their properties in the city, which was 'of utmost importance'. The SHRC had taken cognisance of a report in The Indian Express dated August 30, 2024, titled 'Name Change, DPR and 14 years later, Vishwamitri revamp still on paper', published following the floods witnessed in Vadodara last year. The report highlighted that although the state government had announced a new project at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore to mitigate the floods in Vadodara city, the VMC and other authorities had delayed implementation of the Vishwamitri river project, first tabled in 2008, despite appointing multiple consultants and rechristening the project on two occasions in the past. According to the SHRC order dated April 1, the VMC and the NWRWS were directed to appoint the expert team, which will now comprise Environmental and Urban Planner Neha Sarwate, Environment Activist, Researcher, and Writer Rohit Prajapati, PhD, Zoologist Dr Ranjitsinh Devkar, Botanist Dr Jitendra Gavali and Architect and Urban Planner Mitesh Panchal. The SHRC directed the VMC as well as the Irrigation Department to ensure a visit by the team of environmental experts every 15 days as well as a review meeting with the Municipal Commissioner and District Collector. A report is to be submitted to the SHRC following the exercise.
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
300 Km Of Viaducts For Bullet Train Project Completed, Minister Shares Video
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has completed 300 km of viaducts, utilizing the Full Span Launching Method for faster construction. It will connect 12 stations and is estimated to cost Rs 1.08 lakh crore, with completion expected by 2028. New Delhi: Union Railway Minister on Tuesday said that 300 kilometres of viaducts for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project have been completed. Mr Vaishnaw also shared a video of the superstructure being constructed through the Full Span Launching Method (FSLM). 300 km viaduct completed. — Bullet Train Project — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) May 20, 2025 The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), which is executing the 508-km project, said the 300 km of viaducts were completed with the launch of a 40-metre-long girder near Surat in Gujarat. The NHSRCL said that of the 300 km of the superstructure, 257.4 km was constructed through the FSLM, including 14 river bridges, 37.8 km through Span by Span (SBS), 0.9 km of steel bridges (10 spans ranging from 60 to 130 m in 7 bridges), 1.2 km PSC bridges (20 spans ranging from 40 to 80 metres in 5 bridges) and 2.7 km in station building. It said the FSLM has significantly accelerated construction, as full-span girder erection is up to 10 times faster than conventional segmental methods. The agency said that the 383 km of pier work, 401 km of foundation and 326 km of girder casting has also been completed for the bullet train project. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project The bullet train project connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad will have 12 stations, including nine in Gujarat and three in Maharashtra. While the one in Mumbai is underground, the ones at Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati are elevated. Construction work is in full swing in the 135 km elevated section of the Bullet Train project in Maharashtra! This challenging section includes 3 stations, 7 mountain tunnels, bridges on 4 major rivers, including the longest one on the Vaitarna river (2.32 km), and more. — NHSRCL (@nhsrcl) January 27, 2025 The total cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project is pegged at Rs 1.08 lakh crore, and as per the shareholding pattern, the Centre is to pay Rs 10,000 crore to the NHSRCL, while the two states involved, Gujarat and Maharashtra, are to pay Rs 5,000 crore each. 100 feet below Mumbai, progress powers ahead at the city's Bullet Train Station. From mighty excavations to precision reinforcements — every step builds the future of urban travel! — NHSRCL (@nhsrcl) April 21, 2025 Last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the bullet train project could be completed by the end of 2028.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
J&K: 48 of 87 tourist destinations closed following Pahalgam attack, say reports
In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken decisive action to ensure public safety. As a precautionary measure, authorities have temporarily closed 48 out of the 87 recognized tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley. This move aims to prevent further incidents amid intelligence reports suggesting potential threats to popular tourist spots. The attack took place in the Baisaran meadow next to Pahalgam, which is known for its breathtaking scenery and is frequently referred to as India's "Mini Switzerland." Gunmen targeted tourists, causing widespread fear and prompting swift security measures. Although Pakistan has denied any involvement and demanded an unbiased investigation, the group claiming credit, the Kashmir Resistance, is believed to have links to terrorists with headquarters in Pakistan. Read more: 10 hidden lakes in India to visit once in a lifetime In response to the attack, the Indian government has increased security around the region. This means that there will be extra patrols, checkpoints, and monitoring in and around popular tourist spots. Numerous people have been arrested and investigations are ongoing as part of a significant crackdown on suspected militant activity. The local economy has been severely impacted by the closures, especially the tourism industry, which had been seeing a boom in recent years. Companies that rely on tourism, like lodging facilities, dining establishments, and tour operators, are suffering significant losses. The timing is particularly important because the region usually experiences a spike in visitor arrivals throughout the spring and summer. Concerns about the possible long-term consequences of these closures have been voiced by local authorities and citizens. Everyone agrees that security measures are necessary, but they also hope that things will quickly return to normal. Safety and the necessity to maintain the livelihoods of those who depend on tourism are being balanced. Read more: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project eyes 2028 completion—but will it be met? Find out There is currently no set timeline from the administration for the reopening of tourism attractions. If reports are to be believed, judgments will be made based on the effectiveness of the protections put in place against future attacks as well as the findings of routine security audits. In the meantime, authorities continue to ask locals and visitors to cooperate and be cautious in order to preserve the safety and stability of the area. This incident also brings to light the difficulties that tourism suffers as a result of these unfortunate incidents and persistent dangers. It also emphasizes how resilient the local communities are, continuing to hold out hope for regional peace and prosperity in the face of hardship.
