Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project 80% complete, first section to open in 2027: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Ahmedabad: The first operational section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, between Surat and Bilimora in Gujarat, will be inaugurated in 2027, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday, adding that nearly 80% of the country's first high-speed rail corridor has already been completed.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the commencement of commercial production at CG Semi's OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat, Vaishnaw said the remaining sections of the bullet train project would be opened in phases as construction gathers pace.

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"The first section of the Bullet Train from Surat to Bilimora will be inaugurated in 2027. Thereafter, the Wapi-Surat section, followed by Wapi-Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad-Thane and finally Ahmedabad-Mumbai will be completed in phases. The work is progressing very fast," he said.

The minister said around 80% of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has been completed and that efforts are underway to finish the remaining work within the stipulated timeline.

Vaishnaw also highlighted progress in India's semiconductor manufacturing ambitions, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the country's third semiconductor plant later in the day.

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"Today is a historic day as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate the country's third semiconductor plant. It is the result of India's 60 years of perseverance and has become possible because of the Prime Minister's vision," he said.

Describing semiconductors as a long-standing national priority, Vaishnaw said the industry had been pursued for six decades before gaining momentum under the current government.

"Finally, it was possible with the vision and execution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

He noted the speed at which the projects are being implemented, saying the first semiconductor plant in Sanand was inaugurated on February 28, the second on March 31 and the third plant on July 4.

The railway minister also announced a series of infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving urban mobility and rail connectivity in Ahmedabad.

He said an underpass being constructed in Omnagar has been directed to be completed before Navratri. A new master plan has also been prepared for Asarwa station, under which a new station and a large terminal will be developed, along with the relocation of the Divisional Railway Manager's office to the area.

To improve access to Ahmedabad station, the government plans to create a second entry from the Saranpur side. Vaishnaw said the station is already being redeveloped as a world-class facility.

The minister added that a proposed flyover from Shahpur was discussed with the Monument Authority to ease congestion in the city and said he had spoken to Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who assured full cooperation on the project.

An extension of the station road from Sabarmati to Sabarmati station was also discussed, with a detailed master plan already in place to improve connectivity and make access to the station easier for commuters.