India’s First Bullet Train Project Gains Momentum, Set to Launch Initial Section by 2026

Construction advancements in India’s inaugural bullet train project are on track, poised to inaugurate the initial section by 2026, announced Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in an interview with IANS on Tuesday.

“The progress on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route for the bullet trains is notably substantial,” Vaishnaw stated, detailing the significant strides made in infrastructure development.

“We’ve accomplished over 290 kilometers of groundwork, including the construction of bridges over eight rivers. Concurrently, construction activities are underway at 12 stations, which are swiftly nearing completion,” the Minister disclosed.

Highlighting the project’s complexity, Vaishnaw noted the meticulous design process that spanned nearly two-and-a-half years since its commencement in 2017.

“The intricacies of the design are paramount due to the intense vibrations expected at the operating speed of the bullet train,” he explained. “Every aspect, from managing vibrations to electricity supply mechanisms and aerodynamics, demanded meticulous attention right from the outset.”

Acknowledging the pandemic-induced hurdles, Vaishnaw mentioned the temporary setback caused by Maharashtra’s initial reluctance under Uddhav Thackeray’s administration.

“Despite the brief delay stemming from administrative issues, progress resumed promptly, and the project is now advancing steadily,” Vaishnaw affirmed.

The bullet train corridor encompasses a 21-kilometer tunnel, including a challenging 7-kilometer stretch submerged beneath the sea, with the tunnel’s deepest point reaching 56 meters.

Within the tunnel, the bullet trains are slated to operate at speeds ranging between 300 to 320 kilometers per hour, underscoring the project’s commitment to establishing a high-speed, high-capacity transportation system.

“The overarching goal is to establish a cutting-edge mass transportation network by leveraging Japan’s renowned Shinkansen technology,” Vaishnaw reiterated, emphasizing the transformative potential of the bullet train initiative connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad.