With the Indian Railways confident of starting first phase of operations later this year, the picture of India’s first bullet train has finally been unveiled.
The photo of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) has been put up in the Railway Ministry. The picture of the proposed bullet train has been pasted near Gate Number 4 of the Railways Ministry.
The first bullet train will be of saffron colour.
What is the status of India’s bullet train?
The (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Japan.
The Project passes through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.
The Railways Ministry is hopeful of running the country’s first bullet train between Surat and Bilimora this year.
Earlier in February this year, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that of the total 12 stations, foundation works have been completed at eight stations (Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati). Seventeen river bridges have been completed.
Work is in advance stage for four major river bridges (Narmada, Mahi, Tapti and Sabarmati) in Gujarat and in progress in four river bridges in Maharashtra. Work on Depots (Thane, Surat and Sabarmati) is in full swing.
Excavation works have achieved about 91 per cent progress, and concreting works are at various stages, with 100 per cent completion of the basement slab at Level-4.
The work of the under-sea tunnel (approximately 21 km) has commenced, out of which 4.8 km of tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra has been completed,” the minister said.