STN: India’s high-speed rail initiative, connecting Mumbai to Ahmedabad, continues to move forward. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Bullet Train from Maharashtra to Sabarmati is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Gujarat Section to Finish by 2027
The portion of the corridor in Gujarat—from Vapi to Sabarmati—is likely to be finished by December 2027. Construction activities are active, with several parts of the infrastructure already in place. This includes piers, girders, and the beginning of tunnel work.
The bullet train project covers a total distance of 508 kilometers. It passes through three regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Japan is supporting this project with both financial aid and technical expertise.
Key Stations and Project Funding
The route will have 12 major stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.
The total cost of the project is estimated at around ₹1,08,000 crore. Of this, nearly 81% is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The remaining amount is being shared by Indian Railways and the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
As of June 2024, ₹78,839 crore has already been spent on the project.
Construction Progress and Land Acquisition
Civil works are moving ahead. Out of the 28 construction packages, 24 have been awarded. Key construction milestones include:
- 392 kilometers of pier work completed
- 329 kilometers of girders cast
- 308 kilometers of girders launched
The 21-kilometer undersea tunnel work has also started. All required environmental and regulatory clearances have been obtained. This includes wildlife, forest, and coastal regulation approvals.
Land acquisition, which earlier faced delays in Maharashtra, has now been completed. A total of 1,389.5 hectares has been secured for the project.
Future Expansion of High-Speed Rail
The Bullet Train from Maharashtra to Sabarmati is just the beginning of India’s high-speed rail network. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is working on plans to connect more major cities through similar rail systems.
Feasibility studies are being done to evaluate future routes based on passenger demand, cost, and available funding options. Any new routes will depend on these findings.
Vaishnaw also said the bullet train fares will be designed to stay affordable, considering the needs of regular passengers. This is important to ensure that the service is widely used and serves its purpose efficiently.
