Surat, 17 July, 2014

The first sector identified by the Indian Railways for introduction of High Speed trains in the country is Mumbai-Ahmedabad. As regards Semi High Speed trains (160-200kmph), the sections identified are Delhi-Agra. Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Kanpur, Nagpur-Bilaspur, Mysore-Bengaluru-Chennai; Mumbai-Goa; Mumbai-Ahmedabad; Chennai-Hyderabad and Nagpur-Secunderabad.

For introduction of High Speed trains on Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector, two studies – one a joint feasibility study, co-financed by India and Japan and another a business development study by French Railways (SNCF) have been undertaken.

Feasibility study for semi-High speed (upto 200 kmph) between Mumbai-Delhi and Mumbai-Ahmedabad was conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and report submitted in March, 2014.

Expenditure estimated on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Corridor is approximately Rs. 63,000 crore.

The High Speed Rail project will have to be taken up through an appropriate mix of Government support, multilateral/bilateral funding and by alternative means of resource mobilization, including Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.