India's first bullet train to run between Surat-Bilimora this year

Amid rapid progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, the Railway Ministry is confident of running India's first bullet train between Surat and Bilimora this year. Work on stations, bridges, and an undersea tunnel is advancing.

With the bullet train project making rapid progress, a photo of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) has been put up in the Railway Ministry. The picture has been posted near Gate Number 4 of the Ministry.

The (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Japan. The Project will pass through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. The Railway Ministry has expressed confidence of running the country's first bullet train between Surat and Bilimora this year.

Construction Updates

Out of the total 12 stations, foundation works have been completed at 8 stations (Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati). Seventeen river bridges have been completed. Work is in advance stage for 4 major river bridges (Narmada, Mahi, Tapti and Sabarmati) in Gujarat & in progress in 4 river bridges in Maharashtra.

Work on Depots (Thane, Surat and Sabarmati) is in full swing. Civil works at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) are progressing satisfactorily. Excavation works have achieved about 91% progress, and concreting works are at various stages, with 100% completion of the basement slab at Level-4. The work of the under-sea tunnel (approximately 21 km) has commenced, out of which 4.8 km of tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra has been completed.

Future Prospects and Skill Development

The experience and technical capabilities being developed through the MAHSR project, particularly in track construction, advanced signalling, Rolling Stock manufacturing & maintenance, project management etc. are expected to provide a strong foundation for future high-speed rail corridors in the country. With the gain of such expertise, India will strengthen its position for planning and decision making in the HSR Sector.

Fostering 'Make in India' Initiative

In line with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, Indian Railways is promoting indigenous manufacturing of high-speed rail systems and components to reduce import dependence. Building on the success of Vande Bharat, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in collaboration with M/s Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is designing and manufacturing high-speed train sets with a design speed of 280 kmph.

Land Acquisition and Project Design

Land acquisition for the project has been carried out in accordance with applicable laws, and affected persons have been compensated as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act and relevant State policies. Rehabilitation and resettlement measures, including additional benefits and solatium, have been undertaken in coordination with State Governments.

The MAHSR corridor is designed for high-frequency operations with substantial passenger-carrying capacity. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)