Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train likely to become operational by 2028
India’s first Bullet Train planned between Mumbai and Ahmedabad may face up to five years delay amid the COVID-19 crisis. The train was slated to begin operations in 2023.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a massive toll on various infrastructure projects in the country, including the Bullet Train. Planned between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the train was likely to commence operations in 2023; however, the ongoing crisis has severely impacted its pace of work.
According to reports, the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) has already acquired 63 percent of land for the project including 77 percent in Gujarat, 80 percent in Dadar Nagar Haveli and 22 percent in Maharashtra. However, there have been issues in procuring land in Palghar, Maharashtra and Navsari in Gujarat.
Achal Khare, Managing Director, NHSRCL, has shared that COVID-19 has led to delays in the opening of the tenders, and the magnitude of the impact is hard to assess as the crisis continues. The talks are underway with Japan; however, as of now, they have set the official deadline as 2028.”
The Bullet Train once through would cover the 500 km distance between Ahmedabad and Mumbai in 2-3 hours, and the travelling cost would be much lower than the flight.