Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw supervised the breakthrough of a 1.5-km-long tunnel for the bullet train project in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The tunnel, located between Virar and Boisar stations, is one of the longest in the district. This marks the second tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra, following the completion of a 5-km-long underground tunnel between Thane and BKC in September 2025.
Vaishnaw highlighted the environmental benefits of the bullet train, noting that it achieves nearly 95% carbon dioxide savings compared to highways. He emphasized that many countries have undertaken similar projects for environmental reasons, citing South Korea as an example. The minister pointed out that the bullet train’s direct route to city centers minimizes disruptions to people and traffic, especially in densely populated areas.
India is expected to receive its first Bullet Train on August 15, 2027, as indicated by Vaishnaw. The project, spanning 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, will significantly reduce travel time between the two metros to around two hours. The corridor will connect major cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Thane, and Mumbai, enhancing inter-city mobility.
According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL), a significant portion of the corridor, approximately 465 km, is being constructed on elevated viaducts, with 326 km already completed. Vaishnaw mentioned the use of steel bridges for longer spans, highlighting their strength and efficiency in supporting the project’s infrastructure. The minister praised the project as a testament to adopting new working methods and setting high standards for quality and technology.
In November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project during his visit to Gujarat. The visit included an inspection of the Surat station, designed with inspiration from the city’s diamond industry. The station features three levels catering to various functions, including parking, security checks, lounges, ticketing, and passenger boarding.
