Govt of India spent ₹13,483 crore on first Bullet Train Project, know work progress as on date

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The Ministry of Railways on July 23, 2021, has shared the current progress report of India's first high-speed bullet train project proposed between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

"At present Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is the only sanctioned project of High-Speed Rail (HSR) in the country which is under execution with financial and technical assistance from Government of Japan. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), namely National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has been formed to implement the Project," said the statement issued by the Ministry.

Talking about the current progress of the project, Ministry said that - 

• The Final Location Survey and Geotechnical investigation were completed and alignment between Mumbai and Ahmedabad was finalized.
• Statutory Clearances relating to Wildlife, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Forest clearance obtained from the respective authorities and departments.
• Out of total land requirement of approx. 1396 hectare, consent agreement signed/regular award done for approx. 1046 hectares land.
• Out of 1651, 1342 utilities shifted and work is ongoing.
• The entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project work has been divided into 27 Contract Packages including Training Institute at Vadodara. At present, 07 packages have been awarded and 10 more have been invited by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL).

Till June 2021, a total of Rs 13,483 crores was incurred on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project mainly on the acquisition of Land, Utility Shifting and Contractual Payments. The project has suffered major delays due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and slow progress in handing over land in the state of Maharashtra.

Further, the Ministry of Railways has assigned the work for survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the seven more High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) corridors to National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) which include Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore and Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad routes of Southern India and the same is under progress.

The total cost of the Mumbai - Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project is estimated to be Rs 1.10 lakh crores but delay in the project may incur extra cost. A total of 12 stations will be built between Mumbai and Ahmedabad under this project.

For more details, please explore the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail page of Urban Transport News.