The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project promises to change the face of railway infrastructure of the country.
New Delhi: Indian Railways has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Under the Modi government, the railway ministry has introduced several initiatives to enhance passenger convenience and comfort. The government has also introduced trains like the Vande Bharat Express that have cut the travel time between states. The work of the bullet train has also gained momentum over the last few years after the NDA government came to power in Maharashtra. The authorities are planning to domestically manufacture high-speed trains. According to a Times of India report citing officials, Indian Railways aims to accelerate the much-anticipated initiative.
It is important to note that the project will be developed using the existing Vande Bharat platform. Its corridors will feature advanced signalling systems that integrate Kavach 5.0, the latest automatic train protection technology.
“Work on the bullet train corridor in Maharashtra picked up pace after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government took charge. Entire land acquisition is complete, and over 320 kilometres of the physical infrastructure work is ready,” an official told TOI.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project promises to change the face of railway infrastructure of the country. Officials emphasized that India is prepared to manage and expand the project independently. “India is now capable to single-handedly take up this project in more corridors. We should have our own trains in future corridors as well,” the official added.
A second official highlighted India’s ambitions, stating, “India wants to become fully capable of making bullet trains that can reach speeds of up to 280 kilometers per hour (kmph) and average at 250 kmph operational speed.”
However, developing key components like power trains and train bodies is expected to take around three years, despite incremental improvements in suspension systems.
Addressing concerns about Japan’s Shinkansen suppliers, a senior official clarified, “We aim to maintain Japanese collaboration. Negotiations are ongoing for the supply deal for modern trains set to operate on the MAHSR corridor.”
Notably, the civil works on the MAHSR corridor are proceeding very quickly. The Railway Board has tasked the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with producing bullet trains capable of reaching speeds of 280 km/h.
BEML has been contracted to manufacture these trains at a cost of ₹866.87 crore, with each coach priced at Rs 27.86 crore. This cost includes design, development, and expenses for tooling, testing, and related facilities.
