Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the long-awaited Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is likely to be completed by the end of 2028. While addressing the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Fadnavis expressed optimism about the progress, particularly in Gujarat, but also pointed to delays caused during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure in Maharashtra.
India and Japan collaborated to create the bullet train, which is being built by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) and is the country's first high-speed rail project. The corridor, which will link Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Mumbai in Maharashtra, will span roughly 508 kilometers and cut the travel time between the two cities from more than seven hours to roughly two.
Fadnavis criticized the MVA-led government, which held power from 2019 to 2022, for halting key approvals and slowing down land acquisition processes in Maharashtra. He alleged that this pause resulted in a delay of nearly two and a half years, which has in turn escalated the overall project cost due to inflation and increasing interest payments on the loan taken for the project.
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The INR 1.08 lakh crore project, largely funded by a soft loan from Japan, aims to boost infrastructure and economic activity across western India. Construction in Gujarat has made significant headway, with a 50-kilometer section expected to be operational by 2026. In contrast, work in Maharashtra had lagged behind until recently. According to Fadnavis, the present government has since expedited land acquisition and initiated civil works at crucial locations such as Virar and Boisar.
One of the most ambitious components of the project is the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station in Mumbai, which will be the only underground station on the route. It is scheduled for completion by March 2028. The corridor will feature a total of 12 stations, including Surat, Vapi, Vadodara, and Thane, among others.
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Once completed, the bullet train will usher in a new era of fast, efficient, and modern rail travel in India. It is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce road and air traffic between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and support economic integration in the region.
As the project gets closer to its ambitious timetable, the upcoming years will be critical. If the increased pace continues and the 2028 completion target is reached, all eyes will be on Maharashtra.
India and Japan collaborated to create the bullet train, which is being built by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) and is the country's first high-speed rail project. The corridor, which will link Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Mumbai in Maharashtra, will span roughly 508 kilometers and cut the travel time between the two cities from more than seven hours to roughly two.
Fadnavis criticized the MVA-led government, which held power from 2019 to 2022, for halting key approvals and slowing down land acquisition processes in Maharashtra. He alleged that this pause resulted in a delay of nearly two and a half years, which has in turn escalated the overall project cost due to inflation and increasing interest payments on the loan taken for the project.
Read more: Top 10 hottest places in India
The INR 1.08 lakh crore project, largely funded by a soft loan from Japan, aims to boost infrastructure and economic activity across western India. Construction in Gujarat has made significant headway, with a 50-kilometer section expected to be operational by 2026. In contrast, work in Maharashtra had lagged behind until recently. According to Fadnavis, the present government has since expedited land acquisition and initiated civil works at crucial locations such as Virar and Boisar.
One of the most ambitious components of the project is the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station in Mumbai, which will be the only underground station on the route. It is scheduled for completion by March 2028. The corridor will feature a total of 12 stations, including Surat, Vapi, Vadodara, and Thane, among others.
Read more: 5 spiritual experiences in India you won’t find in a guidebook
Once completed, the bullet train will usher in a new era of fast, efficient, and modern rail travel in India. It is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce road and air traffic between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and support economic integration in the region.
As the project gets closer to its ambitious timetable, the upcoming years will be critical. If the increased pace continues and the 2028 completion target is reached, all eyes will be on Maharashtra.
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