Bullet Train Breakthrough: Mumbai to Ahmedabad gains ground

New Delhi, Dec 29: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, India’s first bullet train corridor, has achieved significant milestones, according to the Ministry of Railways' year-end review.

“Over 243 km of viaduct construction has been completed under the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, along with 352 km of pier work and 362 km of pier foundation work,” the ministry stated.

The ministry highlighted that bridges have been built across 13 rivers, while five steel bridges and two PSC (Pre-Stressed Concrete) bridges have been constructed to cross railway lines and highways.

In Gujarat, track construction is advancing quickly. “RC (Reinforced Concrete) Track Bed construction is underway in Anand, Vadodara, Surat, and Navsari districts. Seventy-one track kilometres of RC track bed construction have been completed, and welding of rails has commenced on the viaduct,” the ministry reported.

Work in Maharashtra has also seen important developments. “The first concrete base-slab for the Mumbai Bullet Train Station has been successfully cast at a depth of 32 meters, equivalent to a 10-storey building. Work on the 21 km tunnel between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata is underway, with an Intermediate Tunnel (ADIT) of 394 meters completed to facilitate main tunnel construction,” the ministry said.

The Palghar district in Maharashtra is witnessing progress in the construction of seven mountain tunnels using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The ministry added, “The only mountain tunnel in Gujarat has already been successfully completed.”

The MAHSR corridor will include 12 energy-efficient and user-friendly stations. “These stations are designed with thematic elements and energy-efficient features to provide a world-class passenger experience while prioritizing sustainability,” the ministry said.

Bullet Train Design and Domestic Manufacturing

India and Japan are nearing the finalisation of bullet train designs for the MAHSR corridor, paving the way for tender awards. The Japanese Shinkansen trains are being modified to suit Indian conditions, including increased luggage capacity, the ability to operate in temperatures above 50°C, and adaptations to handle dusty environments, the media last week reported quoting officials.

“These designs are expected to be formally approved soon,” the ministry shared. Seating arrangements may also be reconfigured, possibly with fewer seats per coach than the original design.

Indian Railways is also developing domestic manufacturing capabilities for bullet trains and high-speed rail signalling systems while continuing imports from Japan. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been directed to produce trains capable of speeds up to 280 kmph in collaboration with BEML at a project cost of ₹866.87 crore.

India is likely to get its first bullet train operational in a couple of years, even though the timeline has been set for 2026-27. Last week, media reported quoting officials that the bullet trains will include modern amenities such as adjustable reclining seats, facilities for passengers with mobility challenges, and advanced entertainment systems, making the journey both efficient and comfortable.