Addressing the High-Speed Tunnel Breakthrough Programme via video conference, the minister said the project includes seven mountain tunnels and one undersea tunnel. The latest achievement marks the second mountain tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra. Vaishnaw said the bullet train would offer an affordable and convenient mode of transport for the middle class.
He added that India’s first bullet train is expected to be ready by 15 August next year. The corridor will be commissioned in phases, with the first high-speed services planned on the Surat–Bilimora section. Construction on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail project began in April 2021 and is scheduled for commissioning next year.
The 508-km high-speed corridor will have 12 stations, connecting key cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, the minister said.
