The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train project has reached around 80 percent of completion, with the first operational section between Surat and Bilimora slated to be inaugurated in 2027, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday.
Speaking to ANI, Vaishnaw stated that work on India’s first bullet train project is progressing rapidly and the remaining sections of the corridor will be commissioned in phases.
“Work on the Bullet Train project is progressing very fast. We will launch the Surat-Bilimora section in 2027,” Vaishnaw stated. He further added that the project is now nearly 80 percent complete.
Bullet Train rollout planned in phases
Vaishnaw stated that the Surat-Bilimora stretch will be the first to become operational in 2027. The rollout will continue with Vapi-Surat section, followed by Vapi-Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad-Thane and then Ahmedabad -Mumbai. He described the project as a major milestone for the country and said it fulfils a long-waited aspiration.
Ahmedabad railway projects announced
Alongside the Bullet Train update, Vaishnaw also announced a series of railway infrastructure initiatives for Ahmedabad.
He stated that a new master plan has been prepared for Asarwa railway station, keeping in mind the area’s historical importance. Under the proposed plan, the station will be redeveloped into a major railway terminal serving Ahmedabad city and the surrounding region.
“Asarwa will be developed into a major railway terminal for Ahmedabad city and the surrounding region,” Vaishnaw said.
The minister also announced that a second entry to Ahmedabad railway station is being planned from the Saraspur side to enhance passenger access while supporting development in the surrounding facility.
Highlighting the ongoing redevelopment work, Vaishnaw said Ahmedabad railway station is progressing well and is being transformed into a world-class station. He further added that a master plan has also been prepared to extend the approach road to Sabarmati railway station.
He further said that discussions were also held on constructing the Shahpur flyover and talks will be initiated with the authority. As per the minister, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has assured full cooperation for the project.
Om Nagar underpass before Navratri
Vaishnaw said a meeting with public representatives and party workers from Ahmedabad resulted in several decisions, including one related to the Om Nagar underpass.
He further directed officials to complete the remaining work before this year’s Navratri festival, noting that a substantial portion of the project has already been completed.
Semiconductor milestone
Vaishnaw also underlined developments in India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector, stating Prime Minister Narendra Modi was slated to unveil the country’s third semiconductor plant in Anand on Saturday. He said India has aspired to build a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem for nearly six decades and credited PM Modi’s leadership for making it possible.
According to the minister, the first semiconductor plant was inaugurated on February 28, the second on March 31, while the third plant is being inaugurated on July 4, marking another milestone in India’s effort to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.