Japan to provide assistance to develop TOD-based Bullet Train Stations in India

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The Bullet Train Stations for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor will be developed by Indian experts with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to improve commuter accessibility and stimulate the local economy.

In order to strengthen the capacities of the Maharashtra and Gujarat state governments, municipal corporations, urban development authorities, and National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, JICA, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Ministry of Railways have signed a Record of Discussions for the "Project for Station Area Development Along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project."

"This project is a technical cooperation project to plan development of surrounding areas around MAHSR stations in order to enhance accessibility and convenience of commuters and other stakeholders and to promote economic activities," JICA said in a statement.

In Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor a total of 12 stations will be constructed at Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati as part of the 508 km long MAHSR project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Japanese experts will be sent to India as part of the joint project to help their Indian counterparts develop the transit function of stations and station area modalities.

The bullet train stations will be designed to encourage the development of urban and transportation infrastructure, including the access road and station plaza, and is based on the idea of "transit-oriented development."

Japanese experts will support in particular in the creation of station area development plans for four stations, Thane, Virar, Surat, and Sabarmati, which will serve as model stations. This support will also include the revision of macro- or higher-level urban plans.

“MAHSR project is a symbol of Japan-India collaboration, contributing to India's first high speed rail project by introducing Japanese technology," said Saito Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India Office.

"Under the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, Indian contractors will have a technology transfer opportunity from Japan not only for high-speed rail construction and O&M aspect but also for station area development based on Japanese experiences in its major cities," he further added.

JICA has supported the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project by offering ODA (official development assistance) loans totaling JPY 350 million (roughly Rs 20,000 crore) since 2017. By building a high-speed rail line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad using Japan's Shinkansen technology (also known as the "Bullet Train"), the project aims to create a high-frequency mass transportation system, improving mobility in India and fostering regional economic growth.