Shruti Suman
New Delhi : India’s inaugural Bullet Train, set to debut by 2026 on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, was announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the Rising Bharat Summit on Tuesday.
Vaishnaw disclosed that the country’s premier bullet train service would commence operation by 2026, initially running a section from Surat. He elaborated that the Central government is actively progressing with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, spanning 508 kilometers, encompassing Surat-Bilimora in Gujarat, with full completion slated for 2028.
Emphasizing the project’s significance, Vaishnaw envisioned the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train as a conduit for economic prosperity, heralding transformative opportunities for towns and cities along its trajectory, and setting a precedent for future endeavors.
The minister outlined the adoption of Japan’s Shinkansen Technology for the project, projected to cost approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore, with services expected to commence by 2026. Furthermore, the project aims to establish a high-frequency mass transportation system.
Vaishnaw revealed that the bullet train’s route includes passage through a sea tunnel to connect Mumbai with Thane, with preliminary work already underway.
Initially announced in 2017, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed train corridor will witness bullet trains operating at speeds of 320 kmph.
The minister underscored the meticulous planning undertaken by the Railways, emphasizing the necessity for concerted effort and communication across all levels.
