Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid a visit to the location of the underwater tunnel for the bullet train project, also known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, on Saturday.
Vaishnaw noted notable developments in the construction of the multibillion-dollar project and expressed his happiness with its progress. The 21-kilometer underground tunnel connects Shilphata to Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station and includes a seven-kilometre section beneath Thane Creek.
Being the first underwater infrastructure of its kind in India, the tunnel represents a revolutionary accomplishment. Vaishnaw highlighted how the tunnel’s sophisticated engineering and technology allowed trains to travel at 250 kmph, which was faster than other under-river tunnels.
Through carefully considered lighting, he guaranteed that the design includes strong safeguards for the environment, ideal ventilation, and commuter safety. While in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, Vaishnaw stated, “The construction work on the 340 kilometres of the project is progressing well.” He observed steady advancements in station infrastructure and river bridge construction.
The minister also praised the Bandra Kurla Complex station, which has seven stories above ground and ten underground levels, as an engineering wonder. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, which spans 508 km and has 12 stations distributed over Gujarat and Maharashtra, is poised to revolutionise intercity travel.
It is anticipated that the route will boost commuter productivity, encourage urban expansion, and drastically reduce travel time. Vaishnaw also called the initiative a source of pride for the country and praised the contribution of Indian engineers to its accomplishment.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, which is expected to be completed soon and uses cutting-edge Japanese railway technology, is estimated to cost Rs 1.08 lakh crore. The corridor is anticipated to spur economic growth in the cities it connects, with Mumbai and Ahmedabad likely to benefit the most once it is operational.
Source: Swarajya