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News18
23-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Update: Rs 79,000 Crore Spent So Far; Commercial Operations By 2027
The expected timeline of the train operations coincides with the scheduled assembly polls in the two states – Gujarat around 2027 end and Maharashtra towards the end of 2029. The Vapi-Sabarmati section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project in Gujarat is expected to be ready by December 2027 while the entire corridor connecting Mumbai will be operational by the end of 2029, the Railway Ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. As of June-end, Rs 78,839 crore has been spent on the project. The expected timeline of the train operations coincides with the scheduled assembly polls in the two states – Gujarat around 2027 end and Maharashtra towards the end of 2029. Two MPs from Gujarat – Surat MP Mukesh Dalal and Kheda MP Devusinh Chauhan – had asked the ministry about the status of the project — started in September 2017. The High Speed Rail Project, famous as India's first bullet train – is currently under execution with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Japan, the Ministry explained. The 508 km route covers Gujarat, Maharashtra and Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned – one each at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. 'The Gujarat portion of the corridor between Vapi and Sabarmati is planned to be completed by December 2027. The entire project (Maharashtra to Sabarmati section) is expected to be completed by December 2029," the Ministry said. However, the Ministry also said that the bullet train project is a very complex and technology intensive Project. ' Exact timelines for the completion of the project can be reasonably ascertained after the completion of all associated works of civil structures, track, electrical, signaling & telecommunication and supply of trainsets," it added. In March 2024, Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced that the services between Surat and Bilimora will be ready by 2026. Spending Touches Rs 79,000 crore Total estimated cost of the MAHSR project is Rs 1.08 lakh crore. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding 81 per cent of the project cost (Rs 88,000 crore). The remaining 19 per cent (Rs 20,000 crore) is funded through equity contributions from the Ministry of Railways (50 per cent) and Maharashtra (25 per cent) and Gujarat (25 per cent) governments. 'Cumulative financial expenditure of Rs 78,839 crore has been incurred on the project till June 30," the Ministry added. Earlier this month, News18 reported that the Japanese government has agreed to introduce E10 Shinkansen trains in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Japan currently operates the E5 series Shinkansen trains and the E10 is the next-generation upgrade. The E10 will be introduced simultaneously in India and Japan. Execution Status: 4 Tenders Left The Ministry informed the house that all the civil contracts of the project have been awarded. 'Out of total 28 tender packages, 24 tender packages have been awarded." So far, 392 km of pier construction, 329 km of girder casting and 308 km of girder launching have been completed. 'The work of the under-sea tunnel (21 km approx.) has also started," the Ministry stated. The Railways said that the delay in land acquisition in Maharashtra impacted the project till 2021. 'However, currently, entire land (1389.5 Ha.) for the MAHSR project has been acquired. The Final Location Survey and geotechnical investigation completed and alignment finalised. All statutory clearances relating to wildlife, coastal regulation zone (CRZ) and forest clearance have been obtained," it shared. More Bullet Train Routes Expected The Railway Ministry explained that in order to expand the bullet train network in India beyond MAHSR corridor and to meet the growing passenger demand between major cities of commercial/economic and tourist importance, Detailed Project Report (DPRs) are being prepared by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). 'The HSR projects are highly capital intensive and any decision for taking up a new project is based on many factors such as technical feasibility, financial and economic viability, traffic demand and availability of funds and financing options," it stated. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! News india Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Update: Rs 79,000 Crore Spent So Far; Commercial Operations By 2027 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Gujarat: BJP MP Devusinh draws the ire of Brahmin community for calling rituals ‘misguided'; Congress joins chorus
AHMEDABAD: A viral video of Gujarat BJP MP Devusinh Chauhan's controversial remarks on religious rituals has ignited a political and social storm in Gujarat. The Kheda MP's speech drew sharp criticism from Brahmin Community leaders and the Congress, accusing him of undermining Sanatan Dharma and hurting religious sentiments. Facing backlash, Chauhan was later forced to issue a clarification in a video message. A political firestorm has erupted in Gujarat On Monday, after a video of Kheda BJP MP Devusinh Chauhan's speech during a religious function at kheda district's Bareja ,surfaced online. In the video, Chauhan claimed 'I realize that whether it is about the Gita or the Vedas... by talking about knowledge, devotion and karma……takes us somewhere in the other direction of "karmkand" or somewhere in another direction...." a remark that drew sharp condemnation across religious and political lines. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, was slammed as disrespectful to Sanatan Dharma, and Brahmin Community with many alleging that Chauhan had targeted the Brahmin community and reduced sacred texts to superstition. The Brahm Samaj was quick to react, expressing anger and accusing Chauhan of insulting the core tenets of Hindu faith. Congress didn't miss a beat, with its leaders launching a scathing attack on the BJP. Party spokesperson and Brahmin Community leader Hemang Rarval accused Chauhan of hypocrisy, stating, 'He got elected in the name of Sanatan Dharma but now calls Vedas and rituals misguided. Hindus voted for him he owes them an explanation.' Raval further emphasized that even Brahmin Community followers perform rituals like tarpan and puja, demanding that Chauhan acknowledge them as part of the broader Sanatan tradition. 'He's silencing voices that defend Sanatan Dharma,' Raval alleged.
