The entire country is focused on the first bullet train project in the country, which will cover the distance from Mumbai to Ahmedabad in just two hours. This ambitious project will make travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly, providing a significant boost to trade, industry, investment, and tourism sectors. However, the project is currently facing some obstacles.
Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has been issued a stop-work notice by the 'H East' ward of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation for not complying with pollution control-related regulations. The corporation has accused the project of not implementing necessary environmental measures on time. As a result, there is a possibility of a temporary halt to work in some parts of the project in Mumbai. This decision has sparked discussions about its impact on the bullet train project's schedule.
Meanwhile, amidst all these challenges, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has made a significant and reassuring announcement. He has clarified that India's first bullet train will start on August 15, 2027. Once this project is completed, the journey from Mumbai to Ahmedabad can be completed in just 2 hours and 7 minutes. Notably, for the convenience of passengers, a bullet train will be available every 30 minutes.
A very important and technically challenging phase of this project is the tunnel between BKC (Bandra-Kurla Complex) and Shilphata. This tunnel, approximately 21 kilometers long, is being constructed with the help of modern technology. A 5-kilometer section of this tunnel between Shilphata and Ghansoli is being built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The remaining 16 kilometers of the tunnel is being constructed using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
The special aspect is that this tunnel includes a section approximately 7 kilometers long under the Thane Creek. This is considered a historic step in India for constructing a tunnel under the sea. This project is being implemented using advanced Japanese technology, with top priority given to safety. While questions are being raised about environmental regulations, on the other hand, the central government seems determined to complete the project on time. It is believed that once the bullet train project is completed, a new era will begin in India's transportation sector.