India՚s First High Speed Rail Project Started by PM Modi and Japanese PM Abe

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly laid the foundation for India՚s first high speed rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Bullet train project symbolizes speed and progress, and will to deliver results quickly.

Map of India՚s First High Speed Rail Project
  • Will help in increasing productivity through high-speed connectivity.
  • The bullet railway track would be accompanied by a new economic system being developed along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor with the entire area becoming a single economic zone.
  • Project to benefit Indian Railways, and boost the “Make in India” initiative.
  • The corridor would be eco-friendly- “high-speed corridors” would be regions for rapid growth in the future.

The Bullet Train Route

  • Formally called the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project, it will run at an elevation of 18 m for most of its route that is 471 km out of 508 km over the existing railway route.
  • High Speed Rail Corporation of India (HSRC) is waiting for the final nod to its detailed project report on the route, which will include a 7-km stretch under the Thane creek.
  • The remaining 37 km include the 7 km undersea stretch between Thane and Vasai, besides another 15 km underground in Mumbai.
  • Detailed map was prepared following an aerial survey using LiDAR technology.
  • The aerial survey and geophysical study dictated a portion should be underwater between Vasai and Thane to minimize the impact on surroundings
  • The project also required soil testing for the pillars, eliminating the need for realignment of any infrastructure in cities.
  • The project requires acquisition of over 700 hectares land in Gujarat, which necessitates social impact survey.
  • Route has serious engineering challenge at Vadodara railway yard the only place where the bullet train will turn 45° and cut across the entire yard.

Dedicated High Speed Rail Training Institute

  • A dedicated High Speed Rail Training Institute for about 4,000 technical staff is also being developed for training personnel for the bullet train project.
  • This will be located on the existing campus for the Vadodara-based National Academy of Indian Railways, formerly called the Railway Staff College.

Examrace Team at Aug 20, 2021