Mumbai Bullet Train 21 Km Undersea Tunnel Open 310 Km Viaduct Ready
The pioneering Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has achieved a significant milestone by opening the first section of its 21-kilometre undersea tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane. This crucial development marks a key step forward for India’s ambitious high-speed rail initiative, designed to revolutionize the country’s transportation sector and significantly reduce travel time between major cities. The project, utilizing Japanese Shinkansen technology, is progressing rapidly, with comprehensive work on track laying, overhead electrical wires, stations, and bridges well underway.
Spanning 508 kilometres, this high-speed corridor aims to connect major cities, enabling travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in as little as three hours at a speed of 320 km per hour. Significant progress is evident, with 310 kilometres of viaduct construction already completed, alongside 15 river bridges, with four more in advanced stages. Out of 12 stations, five are completed, and three are nearing completion, including the engineering marvel at BKC designed to support a 95-meter-high building. The project, estimated at ₹1.1 lakh crore, is largely funded by a 50-year loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at a nominal 0.1% interest.
The first section of the project in Gujarat is anticipated to open in 2026, with the entire corridor expected to be operational by the second half of 2028. Advanced safety features, such as an Urgent Earthquake Detection and Alarm System (UrEDAS) for automatic braking, are integral to the design. With a seating capacity of 731 passengers per train and frequent services, this project is poised to enhance connectivity, contribute substantially to economic growth, and lay the groundwork for future high-speed rail networks across India.
This landmark project embodies modern infrastructure and sustainable transport, setting new benchmarks for speed and safety. It promises to enhance regional connectivity, spur economic growth, and lay the foundation for India’s future high-speed rail network, transforming national mobility.
