India’s ambitious high-speed rail plans are gaining momentum, starting with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. This transformative initiative is set to revolutionise the country’s rail infrastructure and pave the way for more cities to join the high-speed rail network.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project spans 508 kilometres and is currently the only sanctioned bullet train project in India. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed in the Rajya Sabha that the project is advancing steadily. Developed with financial and technical support from Japan, the rail line will connect 12 strategic locations, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara, creating a seamless corridor for commuters and boosting regional connectivity.
Construction progress reflects the project’s scale and ambition. To date, 336 kilometres of pier foundations, 331 kilometres of pier construction, 260 kilometres of girder casting, and 225 kilometres of girder launching have been completed. A remarkable highlight is the under-sea tunnel construction, a 21-kilometre engineering marvel that marks a first for India’s rail sector.
The MAHSR project is just the beginning. With its rapid construction pace and innovative engineering, the groundwork is being laid for expanding high-speed rail to other cities, signalling a new era for India’s transport ecosystem. The initiative is expected to enhance urban mobility, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth across regions.
