Ashwini Vaishnaw updates on commencement of bullet train services in India
PTC News Desk: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided insights into the status of India's first bullet train project, emphasising its significant impact on regional economies. Speaking at an event hosted by NDTV, Vaishnaw highlighted the integration of economies along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, where Mumbai, Thane, Vapi, Baroda, Surat, Anand, and Ahmedabad will form a cohesive economic unit.
Vaishnaw emphasised the transformative potential of the project, envisioning seamless travel between these cities. He remarked that individuals could enjoy breakfast in Surat, conduct business in Mumbai, and return home to their families in the evening, underlining the project's efficiency in capturing a substantial share of transportation demand.
The minister also disclosed recent developments, stating that the first stretch of the bullet train, spanning from Bilimora to Surat, is slated for completion by 2026. This segment will undergo trials utilising the E5 series of Shinkansen trains, showcasing the project's technological advancements.
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Vaishnaw underscored the project's complexity, citing the recent construction milestone achieved at Vikhroli, where a shaft was blasted to facilitate the deployment of tunnel boring machines (TBMs). These TBMs will excavate a 21-kilometer underground tunnel, a significant engineering feat for India's inaugural bullet train initiative.
The minister elaborated on the challenges posed by constructing the tunnel without disrupting surrounding infrastructure, emphasising the need for meticulous planning and execution. With an estimated cost of Rs 1.10 lakh crore, the project aims to leverage Japan's Shinkansen technology, offering high-speed connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Services are anticipated to commence by 2026, marking a significant milestone in India's transportation landscape.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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