'Mahayuti Expedited Bullet Train Project': Fadnavis Slams MVA For Maharashtra Stretch Delays, Assures Completion By 2028

Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday (28 April) that the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is set to be completed by 2028, Indian Express reported.

The bullet train project in Maharashtra came to a halt indefinitely during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, under the leadership of then-CM Uddhav Thackeray.

“When you have a mega infrastructure project worth Rs 70,000 to 80,000 crore, the delay leads to cost escalation. The rate of interest also rises," Fadnavis said, expressing disappointment over the MVA government’s decision to stop the project.

While the work in Maharashtra was stopped, the neighbouring Gujarat continued the work and has achieved substantial progress. Commenting on this, Fadnavis said, "They are now way ahead of us in the project."

The CM stressed that while the state government has to bear the financial burden of the project delay, the BJP-led Mahayuti government has expedited the project after coming to power.

The High-Speed Rail Corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, greenlit 10 years ago, is currently under construction. Upon completion, this project will enable trains to reach speeds of 320 km per hour.

The 508-kilometer stretch from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will feature 12 stations, encompassing locations such as Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar in Maharashtra.

Of the 352 km stretch in Gujarat, 143 km of track bed construction has been achieved. 3 lakh noise barriers have been installed over 150 km and rail welding work for 200-meter-long track panels is in progress.