Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Latest Updates on First Bullet Train of India
Bullet trains, renowned for their speed and reliability, operate at over 300 km/h, making them the fastest form of rail transport. Countries like Japan and France lead the way, proving their potential to enhance travel and boost economies.
India is gearing up to transform its travel infrastructure with its first high-speed rail project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train. This ambitious project is already under construction and represents a major step forward for India’s transportation system.
The train will significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, offering a faster, more efficient way to travel for millions. By introducing advanced rail technology, the project aims to modernise long-distance travel and improve connectivity in the region.
What is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project?
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, also known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, represents a significant advancement in India’s transportation infrastructure.
This project is poised to be India’s first high-speed rail line, covering a distance of approximately 508 kilometres and designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour.
When completed, it will drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from over seven hours to just under three hours.
Key Features
Route and Stations: The bullet train will connect major urban centres, including:
Mumbai
Thane
Virar
Boisar
Vapi
Billimora
Surat
Bharuch
Vadodara
Anand/Nadiad
Ahmedabad
Sabarmati
Construction Progress: As of December 2024, significant milestones have been achieved:
Completion of 336 kilometres of pier foundations.
Construction of 331 kilometres of piers.
Casting of 260 kilometres of girders.
Launching of 225 kilometres of girders.
Initiation of work on a notable 21-kilometre underwater tunnel at Thane Creek.
Funding and Technology: The project is being developed with substantial financial backing from Japan, amounting to approximately ₹88,087 crore (around $12 billion) through a low-interest loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The total estimated cost of the project is around ₹1.1 lakh crore (approximately $15 billion). The project utilises Shinkansen technology, which includes advanced rolling stock and signalling systems, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency.
How is the undersea tunnel being constructed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train?
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project includes a significant engineering feat: India’s first undersea rail tunnel. This tunnel is part of a larger 21-kilometre underground section, with 7 kilometres specifically designated as an underwater segment beneath Thane Creek, an ecologically sensitive area.
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs):
The construction will utilise three large Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), each equipped with cutter heads measuring approximately 13.1 meters in diameter, which is notably larger than those used in typical metro projects.
These TBMs will excavate 16 kilometres of the tunnel, while the remaining 5 kilometres will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM).
NATM allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of reinforcement techniques based on the geological conditions encountered during excavation.
Depth and Structure:
The tunnel will be constructed at depths ranging from 25 to 65 meters below ground level. The deepest point will reach about 114 meters near Parsik Hill.
The design features a single tube with two tracks, enabling bi-directional travel for the bullet train.
Secant Piling:
To stabilise the excavation sites, secant piling has been employed at various locations. This technique involves creating interlocking concrete piles that provide structural support during tunnelling operations.
Environmental Considerations
The tunnel’s construction is strategically designed to minimise ecological disruption. By boring beneath Thane Creek, the project aims to protect local wildlife habitats, including those of flamingos and adjacent mangrove forests.
This approach also circumvents challenges related to land acquisition in densely populated areas like Mumbai.
Timeline and Future Prospects
Construction of the undersea tunnel commenced in mid-2024, with significant milestones already achieved.
The entire bullet train project is expected to be operational by 2028, drastically reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately three hours.
The project not only aims to improve connectivity between two major cities but also catalyses future high-speed rail projects across India, with plans for additional corridors being prepared by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).