Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: NHSRCL Invites Bids For 314 Km-Long Track Construction In Maharashtra

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has officially invited bids from eligible Indian and Japanese companies for the design, supply, and construction of tracks for the highly anticipated Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

The tender, announced on Monday (7 October), focuses on the construction of a 314 km-long bullet train track in Maharashtra, stretching from the Bandra Kurla Complex station in Mumbai to Zaroli village, near the Gujarat border.

In its release, NHSRCL specified that the tender covers the design, supply, and construction of the double-line high-speed railway tracks, along with track-related works, testing, and commissioning. The technical bids for this project are set to be opened on 3 February 2025.

“This will be the last track construction contract for the bullet train project,” the release stated. The scope of work includes track construction for four stations and a rolling stock depot in Thane. Notably, work has already commenced on the Gujarat side, where contracts have been awarded to Indian firms.

The high-speed rail project will utilise Japan’s ballast-less slab track system, as used in its renowned Shinkansen trains. JICC, the project’s general consultant, has provided the detailed designs for the track components.

Additionally, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS), training, certification, and advisory services will be offered to ensure the smooth execution of track works in the high-speed rail corridor, reports Free press journal.

The overall project cost is estimated at Rs 1.08 lakh crore, with the Central government contributing Rs 10,000 crore, while the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra are set to provide Rs 5,000 crore each. The remaining funding will be covered by a loan from Japan at a low interest rate of 0.1 per cent.

The 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will feature 12 stations, with eight in Gujarat and four in Maharashtra. The stations in Gujarat will be located at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, and Vapi. Maharashtra will host stations at Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai.

The government aims to operationalise the bullet train's first phase between Surat and Bilimora in South Gujarat by 2026.

The NHSRCL aims to complete the bullet train project by 2028, with the train expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to three hours.