Vaishnaw Announces Completion of 360 km Bullet Train Project; Points Finger at Uddhav Thackeray for Delays
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that 360 km of the Bullet Train project is now complete. He attributed delays in the Maharashtra section to the Uddhav Thackeray government and highlighted the project's potential to stimulate economic activity across several cities.
Key Takeaways
- 360 km of the Bullet Train project has been completed.
- Progress on the Maharashtra section is accelerating.
- Significant delays were caused by the previous government.
- Economic hubs will be developed along the route.
- Trains will operate at speeds up to 320 kmph.
Ahmedabad, March 1 (NationPress) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that 360 km of the Bullet Train project has reached completion, showcasing notable advancement in the Maharashtra section, which faced delays due to the Uddhav Thackeray administration's hold-up on permissions.
"The Bullet Train project is making substantial progress, with 360 km finished and track laying currently in process... This initiative aims to establish economic hubs along the path, enhancing growth in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Anand, and Ahmedabad, thereby linking them as a unified economic zone," Vaishnaw stated to reporters.
He emphasized that these cities are poised for significant economic activity. “A Bullet Train should not be perceived merely as a transportation project; it represents an opportunity for regional growth,” he added.
Vaishnaw mentioned that the Maharashtra segment of the Bullet Train project is progressing effectively, with nearly 2 km of the underwater tunnel already constructed.
He criticized Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that his administration caused a delay of two-and-a-half years in the project. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that work is now accelerating and will greatly benefit future generations.
The Railway Minister also pointed out growth patterns observed with the inaugural Bullet Train in Japan that connects Tokyo and Osaka.
The six major stations between Osaka and Tokyo—Nagoya, Kyoto, Atami, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, and Odawara—have transformed into significant industrial centers, he noted.
Vaishnaw predicted that similar economic benefits would emerge along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor.
“In the morning, one could enjoy fafda-dhokla for breakfast in Ahmedabad, work in Mumbai during the day, and return home to spend quality time with family in Ahmedabad,” he elaborated.
In a similar vein, a resident of Mumbai could start their day with poha, complete work in Surat, and return home to their family in the evening, he explained.
During his visit to Ahmedabad’s Kalupur Railway Station, the Minister participated in an event organized by the Rail Line Development Authority.
Regarding the redevelopment of Ahmedabad Kalupur Railway Station, Vaishnaw stressed that it is a four-year project intended as a significant contribution to the city.
The Minister underscored that the station’s new design incorporates Ahmedabad’s cultural legacy. The project has also gained substantial input from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that the station has been designed with a focus on the strength of materials used in girders to manage the pressure zones caused by trains traveling at 350 kmph.
“The roof of the platform is designed to remain open to alleviate pressure generated,” Vaishnaw stated during a station inspection.
He highlighted the station’s unique design, which features three levels: the ground level, concourse level, and platform level, where passengers will wait.
Trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor will operate at a speed of 320 kmph, covering a distance of 508 km with 12 stations. There will be 35 trains daily in one direction, with a frequency of 20 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
With a limited stop service (in Surat and Vadodara), the journey will take 1 hour and 58 minutes, while full stops will take 2 hours and 57 minutes. The operational control center for the MAHSR corridor will be located at Sabarmati.
