News Brief
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: Construction Of India's First Undersea Tunnel On Track
India's inaugural undersea rail tunnel, part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project (Representative image).
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday visited the site of the undersea tunnel for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, commonly known as the bullet train project.
Vaishnaw expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the multi-billion-dollar project, noting significant advancements in its construction.
Spanning 21 km, the undersea tunnel incorporates a seven-km segment beneath the Thane Creek, connecting Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station to Shilphata.
The tunnel marks a groundbreaking achievement as India’s first undersea infrastructure of its kind.
Vaishnaw emphasised the advanced technology and engineering of the tunnel, enabling trains to reach speeds of 250 kmph, surpassing the capabilities of other under-river tunnels.
He assured that the design incorporates robust measures for environmental protection, optimal ventilation, and commuter safety through well-planned lighting.
“The construction work on the 340 kilometers of the project is progressing well,” Vaishnaw said during his visit to Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai.
The minister also highlighted the Bandra Kurla Complex station as an engineering marvel, featuring 10 underground levels and seven floors above ground.
Stretching 508 km with 12 stations spread across Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is set to transform intercity travel.
The route is expected to promote urban growth, significantly cut travel time, and enhance productivity for commuters.
Vaishnaw also commended the role of Indian engineers in ensuring the project’s success, calling it a source of pride for the nation.
Estimated to cost Rs 1.08 lakh crore, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project leverages advanced Japanese railway technology and is slated for completion in the near future.
Once operational, the corridor is expected to catalyse economic growth in the cities it connects, with Mumbai and Ahmedabad standing to gain the most.
