Bullet Train Project To Gather Speed As Contract Agreement Signed For Electrification Works

In a major step towards progress in the execution of the Mumbai Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited, today (8 February), signed a contract agreement with Sojitz-L&T Consortium for executing electrical works.

The scope of the work under the EW-1 package includes the design, supply, manufacturing, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of 2 x 25 kV electrification systems tailored for speeds of up to 320 kmph, involving Japanese Shinkansen system-based traction power supply.

The electrification system comprises various components such as traction substations, switching stations, overhead quipment, distribution systems, associated buildings, and training institute equipment, among others.

These components will be installed along the entire MAHSR corridor spanning approximately 508 km, including three depots located in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Earlier on 15 January, the NHSRCL had issued letter of acceptance for executing electrical works for the MAHSR corridor.

The country’s first ‘bullet’ train, nicknamed for its bullet-like shape and speed, with 12 stations en route, is currently under construction.

The high-speed rail, operating at 320 kmph, will traverse west India’s landscape, covering the 508.17 km distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in just about 2 hours and seven minutes.

This will save time compared to the current travel time between the two terminal stations by about nine hours (by bus) or six hours (by conventional railways).

The foundation stone for the MAHSR project was laid in September 2017 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

It is being executed by the NHSRCL — a special-purpose vehicle created for the project by the Railway Ministry, which holds 50 per cent equity, and the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, which hold 25 per cent equity each.

The central government has now set a target to run the first phase of the bullet train between Surat and Bilimora in south Gujarat by 2026.