India’s First Bullet Train on Track: Operational by 2026, says Railways Minister

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd April. India is on track to inaugurate its first-ever bullet train service, with significant progress reported in the construction of various stations along the ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai route. Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that preparations are underway to commence operations on one section by 2026.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the strides made in the bullet train project, emphasizing the completion of over 290 kilometers of track and the construction of bridges spanning eight rivers. Work is also underway at 12 stations, with progress indicating the project’s nearing completion.

“The work is going on at two depots, and it’s progressing at a rapid pace with the aim of opening the first section by 2026,” Minister Vaishnaw stated.

Acknowledging the complexity of the bullet train endeavor, Minister Vaishnaw noted the intricate design process undertaken since the project’s inception in 2017. The design intricacies, including managing vibrations at high speeds, ensuring aerodynamics, and addressing power supply logistics, required meticulous attention.

Despite initial setbacks exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Vaishnaw expressed optimism regarding the project’s trajectory. He cited challenges faced in obtaining permissions, particularly in Maharashtra, where initial delays occurred due to regulatory hurdles.

The bullet train corridor boasts a 21-kilometer tunnel, including a 7-kilometer undersea stretch, with the deepest point plunging 56 meters below the surface. Within the tunnel, trains will operate at speeds ranging from 300 to 320 kilometers per hour, marking a significant leap in India’s transportation infrastructure.

The objective of the project is to revolutionize mass transportation by introducing a high-frequency, high-speed rail link between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, leveraging Japan’s renowned Shinkansen technology, commonly known as the bullet train.

As India steers towards the realization of this transformative venture, the bullet train represents a milestone in the nation’s journey towards modernizing its transportation network.