Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project On Fast-Track: Construction Begins In Maharashtra's Palghar And Thane

The ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is gaining momentum as the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), announced the commencement of work in Maharashtra's Palghar and Thane districts.

According to a statement released by NHSRCL, work has kicked off as part of package-C3 of the bullet train project, spanning from Shilphata to Zaroli village on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.

Geotechnical investigations for the entire 135 km stretch are nearing completion, while construction activities for two mountain tunnels have already begun in the region. Additionally, pier foundation work has commenced at multiple locations along the corridor.

The release further elaborated on the development of casting yards, which will facilitate full span and segment casting of girders, indicating substantial progress in the infrastructure development.

Package C-3, spanning 135.45 km, encompasses viaducts and bridges covering 24.027 km, along with earth structures spanning 5.361 km. It also includes the construction of 36 bridges and crossings, including 12 steel bridges, as outlined by NHSRCL.

Moreover, the project features six mountain tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel, as well as crucial river crossings over the Ulhas, Vaitarna, and Jagani rivers.

Within this segment, three bullet train stations are slated to be constructed at Thane, Virar, and Boisar, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for commuters.

In a significant milestone, NHSRCL has initiated the construction of India's first undersea tunnel, measuring 21 km in length, connecting underground stations at Bandra-Kurla Complex and Shilphata in Thane district.

The tunnelling work employs three boring machines, with approximately 16 km of the portion expected to be completed through this method, while the remaining 5 km will utilise the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).

The total cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is estimated at Rs 1.08 lakh crore. As per the shareholding pattern, the Government of India is responsible for contributing Rs 10,000 crore to NHSRCL, while the respective states of Gujarat and Maharashtra are expected to contribute Rs 5,000 crore each. The remaining funding will be provided by Japan through a loan with a negligible interest rate of 0.1 percent.

The first phase of the Mumbai to Ahmedabad High-Speed Bullet Train project, linking Surat to Bilimora, is set to become operational by August 2026.