Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has achieved a historic engineering milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) project.

A major breakthrough in the construction of a 4.8 km tunnel section was achieved today. Excavation was carried out simultaneously from the Ghansoli and Shilphata sides. The teams had advanced toward each other through challenging underwater terrain.

The breakthrough moment came when the two teams successfully connected today, a remarkable engineering feat.

The Railway Minister congratulated the project team, stating: "This is a landmark moment as we construct India's first under-sea tunnel, connecting Mumbai and Thane through this challenging creek".

Multiplier effect on economy

The bullet train project will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just 2 hours and 7 minutes. It will connect and integrate the economies of major commercial centers.

The world's first bullet train, connecting major centers like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, created a multiplier effect on Japan's entire economy.

Similarly, this project will unite Anand, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, and Mumbai into a single economic corridor. It will create unified markets & accelerate industrial growth along this corridor.

It will also facilitate knowledge transfer and economic integration. The economic gains will far exceed the initial investment through higher productivity and business expansion.

Union Minister mentioned that this project will meet the aspirations of middle class. This project will ensure a comfortable ride with fares structured for the middle class.

Project Progress and Innovation

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR project continues to demonstrate remarkable progress across multiple fronts:

• 320 km of viaduct (bridge) portion completed
• Station construction work progressing at great pace across all locations
• River bridges being constructed systematically
• Sabarmati tunnel nearing completion

Technical innovation

The project showcases cutting-edge engineering innovations that have earned international recognition. The use of single tunnel technology to accommodate two bullet trains and the deployment of 40-meter girders in viaduct construction represent significant technical achievements.

Japanese partners have notably praised this technological innovation for its efficiency and design excellence.

India has gained substantial technological knowledge through this project. It has been continuously working closely with  Japanese experts.

Latest train technology and operational plans

Yesterday, the Union Minister met the Japanese delegation led by the Vice Minister to review the High-Speed Rail project. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress of the project. The first section is expected to be operational by 2027.

The discussions were also held on introducing the latest E10 Shinkansen (Japan's next-generation bullet train) in India. Japan has agreed to provide India with this advanced train system.

Operational Framework:

• Initial frequency: Every 30 minutes during the peak hour
• Phase 2: Every 20 minutes as operations stabilize
• Future expansion: Every 10 minutes to meet growing traffic demands
• Target opening: First section operations between Surat to Bilimora to begin in 2027

A comprehensive training program is also underway to ensure world-class operations. Hands-on training for loco pilots, and for maintenance staff is currently underway in Japan. Loco pilots are being trained on advanced simulators to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Engineering Excellence Under Challenging Conditions

The project employs the advanced New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) with comprehensive safety measures. It includes ground settlement markers, piezometers, inclinometers, and strain gauges to ensure safe construction.

Special emphasis has been laid on ensuring that nearby structures and marine ecology are not disturbed.

Strategic importance

This landmark project aligns with Hon'ble Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure. This corridor will serve as a model for future high-speed rail networks across India.

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Sayyid Rabeehashmi / Parshuram Kor

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