Mumbai – Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project updates; Surat – Bilimora route likely operational by 2026

Surat: The Ahmedabad – Mumbai bullet train project is advancing with major developments reported on various fronts. The construction work at Bilimora railway station in Navsari district has commenced. The Surat-Bilimora route is set to launch in the project’s first phase by 2026.

The progress of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project is as follows:

Land Acquisition and Route Progress

  • 100% completion of land acquisition in Gujarat, Dadra-Nagar Haveli, and Maharashtra.
  • Concrete work completed for 190 km of the 508 km railway track.
  • Ongoing viaduct construction to support the bullet train infrastructure.

Innovative Slab Track System

  • Introduction of India’s first slab track system for the high-speed bullet train.
  • Promises enhanced stability and reduced maintenance over traditional tracks.

Construction Activities and Modern Techniques

  • Active construction sites in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Valsad, and Vapi.
  • Utilization of modern construction techniques and advanced machinery.
  • Contracts awarded for civil and electrical work in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Station and Bridge Development

  • Foundation work completed for all eight bullet train stations: Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.
  • Platform slab work progress: Surat (770/815 m), Anand (820/830 m), Ahmedabad (60/415 m), Bharuch (350/450 m).
  • Completion of steel bridges: Surat (70 m), Anand (100 m), Vadodara (130 m) over various rivers.
  • Infrastructure work completed at Surat Depot; ongoing work at Sabarmati Depot

Bridges Across Rivers

  • A total of 24 bridges are planned on the 508 km Ahmedabad-Mumbai route.
  • Overbridges completed on 8 rivers including: Mindhola, Ambika, Auranga, Mohar, Veganiya.
  • Ongoing bridge construction on rivers: Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati.
  • Three steel overbridges completed in Surat, Anand, and Vadodara.

Bilimora Station Design

  • Design inspired by mango orchards, covering a built-up area of 38,394 sq.m. with a height of 20.5 meters.
  • Ground floor to feature concourse; First floor to host platforms with four tracks.
  • Provision of amenities such as business class lounges, nurseries, lifts, escalators, and childcare rooms.

Infrastructure and Equipment Milestones

  • Receipt of three sets of JIS rail and track construction machinery, totaling over 35,000 MT.
  • Completion of a 350-meter tunnel near Zaroli in Valsad, Gujarat.
  • Commencement of work on India’s first 7 km long undersea rail tunnel.

Mumbai Segment Developments

  • Progress in civil work for the elevated section in Maharashtra.
  • Construction underway for Mumbai Bullet Train Station and excavation of tunnel shafts.
  • Construction underway for India’s first undersea rail tunnel, spanning 7 km as part of a larger 21 km tunnel network between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra. DeshGujarat