Bullet train project update: Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor to be ready by Dec 2029, Gujarat stretch by 2027

The Centre on Wednesday said the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is progressing with the Gujarat portion expected to be completed by December 2027, while the entire corridor is likely to be ready by December 2029.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that although the bullet train project is targeted for completion in phases, exact timelines can only be reasonably ascertained after completion of associated works, including civil structures, tracks, electrical, signalling, telecommunication, and the supply of trainsets.

The 508-km project –covering 12 stations across Maharashtra and Gujarat– is being executed with technical and financial assistance from Japan.

The minister informed the House that the total estimated cost of the project is around ₹1.08 lakh crore, with 81% funding coming from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the remaining 19% shared between the Ministry of Railways (50%), Maharashtra government (25%), and Gujarat government (25%).

He said cumulative expenditure of ₹78,839 crore has been incurred on the project till June 30 this year.

Vaishnaw said delays in land acquisition in Maharashtra impacted the project until 2021, but currently, the entire land requirement of 1,389.5 hectares has been acquired.

All statutory clearances, including those related to wildlife, coastal regulation zone, and forest, have also been obtained, he added.

The minister said 392 km of pier construction, 329 km of girder casting, and 308 km of girder launching have been completed so far, while work on the undersea tunnel of around 21 km has also commenced.

Vaishnaw said feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports are being prepared for other high-speed rail corridors to connect major commercial and tourist hubs across India.

However, he stressed that any new project will depend on technical feasibility, financial viability, traffic demand, and availability of funds.

The government is also planning an affordable fare structure for bullet train services, keeping in view the socio-economic conditions of passengers to ensure optimum usage of the high-speed rail sectors, he added.