Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the Ahmedabad Railway Station Redevelopment Project on Saturday and announced that 360 km of the ambitious Bullet Train project has been completed, with significant progress being made in the Maharashtra section. He emphasized that efforts are underway to compensate for the delays caused during the tenure of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, which had set the project back by two-and-a-half years.
Vaishnaw confirmed that work on approximately 360 km of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor has been completed, highlighting the current momentum of construction. He also provided an update on the undersea tunnel, stating that nearly 2 km of the structure has been successfully completed.
Progress and Challenges in Maharashtra
While the Gujarat segment of the project is advancing at an impressive pace, the Maharashtra section faced delays due to land acquisition and approval challenges. Vaishnaw expressed confidence in resolving these issues, ensuring that construction in Maharashtra gains the necessary traction.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, who inspected the MAHSR project for the first time on Saturday, praised the initiative as a transformative step for India’s railway infrastructure. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for modernizing the country’s transport system and noted that the project has generated employment opportunities for nearly one lakh people.
Infrastructure Development at an Unprecedented Pace
Bittu emphasized the project’s role in advancing India’s economic development. Speaking to the media, he appreciated the efficiency of the construction teams, stating, “A 40-meter span of the bridge is being constructed in just 16 hours. This demonstrates the remarkable speed of the construction work.”
He further underscored the significance of high-speed rail networks in the global transport sector and reiterated that this initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision of ‘Vikshit Bharat.’
Economic and Regional Benefits
The Bullet Train project, developed in collaboration with Japan, represents a major milestone in India’s infrastructural advancement. Once operational, it is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and create substantial employment opportunities in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The MAHSR corridor will connect key business hubs such as Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, passing through some of the fastest-growing regions in western India. The project’s total sanctioned cost stands at Rs 1,08,000 crore, with Japanese technology playing a crucial role in its execution.
Future Prospects and Timelines
Despite the initial setbacks, officials remain optimistic about meeting the revised deadlines. The progress in Gujarat showcases the potential of India’s infrastructural expansion, and authorities are working diligently to ensure similar momentum in Maharashtra.
As work continues on the high-speed rail corridor, the government remains committed to completing the project efficiently, with a focus on both quality and speed. The successful implementation of the Bullet Train initiative is expected to set the stage for future high-speed rail projects across India, further modernizing the country’s transportation network.