Land acquisition done & key clearances secured, bullet train project picks up speed

The ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project -- India’s first bullet train corridor -- has crossed major milestones, with all land acquisition completed, key clearances secured, and the work in full swing.

Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed Parliament that all 1,389.5 hectares required for the 508-km corridor has been acquired and all statutory clearances, including wildlife, forest and coastal regulation zone approvals, have been obtained. “All civil contracts have been awarded, with 24 of the 28 total tender packages finalised,” he said.

However, Vaishnaw said while significant headway had been made, the “exact timelines for completion can be reasonably ascertained only after all civil structures, track, electrical, signalling, telecommunication and trainset supply work is completed.”

According to the minister, foundation work has been completed for 406 km of the route, with 395 km of piers, 333.67 km of girders cast, and over 312 km launched. Track laying has begun on a 127-km stretch of the viaduct, alongside installation of overhead equipment masts.

The work is complete on 16 river bridges, with five more in advanced stages in Gujarat and four underway in Maharashtra. The only tunnel in Gujarat is finished, while 4 km of the 21-km undersea tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata is ready.

Of the 12 planned stations, eight in Gujarat have completed the foundation work. In Maharashtra, the work is ongoing at Thane, Virar and Boisar, while excavation at Mumbai’s BKC terminal is nearly complete.

The bullet train project is being executed with Japanese technical and financial assistance and passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. As per the minister, noise barriers are being installed along the route to reduce operational sound levels.

The minister further informed that the bullet train is already generating large-scale employment through direct and indirect engagement in construction, supply of materials and equipment, and related services.