New Delhi, AP 23: India’s inaugural bullet train project is making remarkable strides towards completion, as outlined by Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Highlighting the progress, Vaishnaw expressed confidence in launching the first train along a designated section by 2026, focusing on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route.
The minister provided a comprehensive overview of the advancements, citing the completion of over 290 kilometers of infrastructure, including the construction of bridges over eight rivers and ongoing work at 12 stations. Notably, efforts have ensured uniformity in station elevation, nearing the final stages of development.
Vaishnaw emphasized the complexity inherent in the bullet train initiative, which commenced in 2017 and underwent a meticulous two-and-a-half-year design phase. Acknowledging the intricacies of managing vibrations at high speeds, he detailed the comprehensive considerations encompassing aspects like power supply and aerodynamics.
While navigating through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and administrative hurdles, notably in Maharashtra, where initial permissions were withheld, progress persevered. Currently, the project is on track for timely completion, overcoming setbacks and ensuring smooth momentum.
The corridor encompasses a 21-kilometer tunnel, featuring a remarkable 7-kilometer undersea segment, with the deepest point reaching 56 meters. Within this tunnel, the bullet trains are slated to operate at speeds ranging between 300 to 320 kilometers per hour, promising efficient mass transportation between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to revolutionize mass transit by harnessing Japan's renowned Shinkansen technology, epitomizing a visionary leap towards a high-speed rail network in India.
