Gujarat’s Bullet Train Project Accelerates with Key Milestone

NEWS CHARIOT : The construction of India’s first bullet train project in Gujarat is progressing rapidly, with the latest development being the initiation of electrification work for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.

As part of this milestone, the first two steel masts have been installed over the viaduct between Surat and Bilimora, at an elevation of 14 meters above the ground. A total of over 20,000 masts will be erected at heights ranging from 9.5 meters to 14.5 meters across the corridor. Expressing his delight, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the update on social media platform X.

The electrification work includes overhead wires, earthing systems, fittings, and related equipment, all connecting to the Overhead Equipment (OHE) system. This system will provide the necessary traction for the high-speed bullet trains to operate. The OHE masts have been manufactured in India, following Japanese design standards and specifications, promoting indigenous knowledge and capabilities.

On January 13, the overhead traction systems were successfully connected near Dabhan village, close to Nadiad in Gujarat’s Kheda district. Additionally, the pre-stressed concrete (PSC) bridge on National Highway-48, a key part of the project, has been completed.

The commencement of electrification work signals positive progress toward the trial runs, which are expected to take place between Surat and Bilimora. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has shared this update, highlighting the ongoing work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.

The trial runs for the Gujarat portion of the bullet train are slated to begin in 2026. The total length of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is 508 kilometers, with 12 stations in total. Eight of these stations will be located in Gujarat, including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Surat, and Bilimora. The Surat-Bilimora segment, which spans 50 kilometers, is in the most advanced stage of construction, and the trial run is expected to take place here.