The completion of India’s inaugural bullet train project remains elusive as the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) cites pending tender awards as a barrier. In response to an RTI query by Chandra Shekhar Gaur, the NHSRCL conveyed that a definitive timeline for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project’s (MAHSRP) conclusion hinges upon the completion of all tenders.
Initially slated for December 2023, the project encountered setbacks due to land acquisition challenges and the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Railways Ministry declared the completion of the first phase linking Surat and Bilimora by August 2026, a significant portion of the project, particularly rail track installation, remains pending as of April 6, 2024.
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Despite the delay in tenders, progress has been made in certain aspects of the project. As per Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s update on March 28, 2024, substantial strides have been made in pier construction and viaduct development. Notably, 295.5 km of pier work and 153 km of viaduct have been completed. However, the absence of laid rail tracks underscores the complexity and challenges inherent in executing a project of this scale and magnitude.
The bullet train, envisaged to operate at a maximum speed of 320 km/h, aims to cover the 508 km distance between Mumbai and Sabarmati in a time-efficient manner. The project includes stops at ten stations along the route, facilitating connectivity and accessibility for passengers. Despite the delays and challenges, the project represents a significant leap in India’s transportation infrastructure and is poised to revolutionize intercity travel. With an estimated cost of 1,08,000 crore, the majority of the route traverses through Gujarat and Dadar & Nagar Haveli, underscoring the regional significance and economic implications of the project for these areas.
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