In an address at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways and Electronics and Information Technology, has outlined a vision for the state’s manufacturing development, especially, focusing on high-speed rail connectivity, this plan looks forward to enhance the government’s mission of advancing the state’s technological and industrial capabilities.
Speaking at the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav offered a comprehensive and insightful overview of India’s bullet train project. Delving into various crucial aspects, his comments provided a holistic perspective on this ongoing initiative, poised to reshape the nation’s transportation landscape. Ashwini Vaishnaw began his address by providing a detailed update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, which is set to transform travel between the two cities.
The high-speed rail (HSR) track, covering a distance of 508 km, has seen rapid progress. “The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is progressing at a very rapid pace. Work on the 270 km track has already been completed. We plan to run the first bullet train between Surat and Bilimora in 2026,” said Mr Vaishnaw at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
The project aims to operate the bullet train at a top speed of 320 kmph, significantly reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from six hours to nearly three hours. This not only enhances connectivity but also positions Gujarat as a key player in the country’s high-speed rail network. Twelve stations are planned along the route to maximize accessibility and benefit a broader population.
He also invited suggestions from the public, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving this transformative venture. The Minister acknowledged the complexity of the project but assured that every aspect is being handled, reflecting the government’s devotion to redefining India’s transportation landscape.
Addressing concerns about the affordability of the bullet train, Vaishnaw assured the public that the fare would be kept ‘affordable.’ This commitment aligns with the government’s broader agenda of ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are accessible to a wide spectrum of the population. “The impact of the bullet train project would not be a mere sum (1+1=2) but a synergistic boost (1+1=11),” said Mr Vaishnaw, projecting the potential of these developments on Gujarat’s economic landscape. He highlighted the growing economic development of key cities, including Mumbai, Thane, Vapi, Baroda, Surat, Sanand, and Ahmedabad, stating that the bullet train projects broader economic growth beyond transportation infrastructure.
Mr Vaishnaw has also shared operational details, indicating that the team is presently working at an average rate of 14 km per month. While acknowledging initial challenges in Maharashtra, he expressed, “But now, we will see quick progress in Maharashtra as well.” Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcements at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit provide a closer look into the various dimensions of the bullet train project, showcasing not only infrastructural aspects but also their potential socio-economic impact. As India moves forward in its transportation and technology, Gujarat stands at the front of progress and innovation.