Desk:In the near future, India’s bullet train will glide through an underwater tunnel, marking a milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently inspected the construction of the underwater tunnel, part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, and expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress.
The tunnel spans 21 kilometers, with a seven-kilometer stretch running beneath the Thane Creek. It will connect the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station to Shilphata and is India’s first underwater rail tunnel of its kind.
Addressing the media in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, the minister said, “The design of the underwater tunnel is complete, and its construction is being carried out with utmost precision. This tunnel, equipped with advanced technology, will allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h. Along with efficient ventilation and lighting systems, the project also prioritizes environmental conservation.”
The minister emphasized that the bullet train’s speed and design surpass the capabilities of Kolkata Metro’s underwater tunnel. He noted significant progress in constructing river bridges and station infrastructure. “The BKC station is an engineering marvel with 10 underground levels and seven above-ground floors,” Vaishnaw added.
The high-speed rail project, currently under the oversight of Japanese experts, is progressing as per schedule, with construction moving swiftly across a 340-kilometer stretch.
Vaishnaw described the bullet train project as a step toward providing affordable and efficient transportation for India’s middle class. He added, “This corridor will integrate the economies of Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other cities along its route, boosting urban development and reducing travel time significantly.”
Spanning 508 kilometers, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train route includes 12 stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar in Maharashtra, and Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati in Gujarat.
The project’s main highlight is the 21-kilometer-long underwater tunnel, with the total project cost estimated at ₹1.08 lakh crore. The high-speed train aims to revolutionize India’s transportation landscape, fostering infrastructure development and economic growth.