India is on the brink of a major transportation upgrade, with a deal to procure 24 E5 Series Shinkansen trains, commonly known as bullet trains, from Japan set to be finalized by the end of the month. This significant milestone in the development of the country’s first high-speed rail corridor, connecting Ahmedabad to Mumbai, is expected to revolutionize travel between the two major cities. Here’s a breakdown of the key points regarding this landmark deal and project:
- Finalization of the Deal: The procurement of the 24 bullet trains is expected to be sealed by the end of this month, signifying a crucial step forward in the high-speed rail project that has been progressing at an accelerated pace.
- Project Timelines: The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) aims to start the first train operation by June-July 2026, targeting Gujarat for the inaugural run. Additionally, NHSRCL plans to complete all related contracts, including those for train procurement and operating systems, by August 15 of this year.
- Service Types and Duration: The 508 km corridor will feature two types of services: ‘limited stop’ and ‘all stop’. The limited-stop service is designed to cover the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in just two hours, while the all-stop service will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Progress Report: As of January, the project’s overall physical progress stands at around 40%. This progress is more pronounced in Gujarat, with a completion rate of 48.3%, compared to Maharashtra’s 22.5%. The past year saw the completion of over 100 km of viaducts and six river bridges, with seven out of 20 bridges in Gujarat also finished.
- Land Acquisition and Statutory Permissions: There has been notable progress in Maharashtra recently, with the state administration ordering all district collectors to finalize land handovers by the end of the month. The project has secured all necessary statutory permissions, overcoming previous delays attributed to land acquisition issues under the former Maharashtra government.
This ambitious project promises to not only enhance connectivity between two of India’s key cities but also set a precedent for future high-speed rail projects in the country. The collaboration with Japan for the procurement of Shinkansen trains underscores the international cooperation at play in bringing advanced rail technology to India, marking a significant leap in the nation’s rail infrastructure development.
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