Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project achieves 100% land acquisition in Gujarat

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): In a remarkable achievement, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has crossed a significant milestone. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) proudly announced the successful completion of 100% land acquisition in Gujarat. This monumental undertaking marks a critical step in the realization of this high-speed rail project, which promises to transform the way people travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The NHSRCL reported that the last piece of land required in Gujarat was acquired in Kathore village, located in Surat district, during the month of September. This final acquisition was vital to achieving the coveted 100% mark for land acquisition in the state. In total, a substantial 951.14 hectares of land were procured in eight districts across Gujarat to make this ambitious project a reality.

The success of land acquisition is not confined to Gujarat alone. The NHSRCL's reach extends beyond the state's borders, encompassing Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. With the recent addition in Gujarat, the project has now acquired 99.95% of the land required to make the vision of a high-speed rail corridor a reality.

In neighboring Maharashtra, progress has also been commendable. Out of the 429.71 hectares allocated for the project, an impressive 99.83% of land acquisition has been successfully completed. Furthermore, a total of 7.90 hectares were acquired in the Union Territory.

The distribution of the acquired land in Gujarat is as follows:

• Ahmedabad: 133.29 hectares
• Kheda: 110.25 hectares
• Anand: 52.59 hectares
• Vadodara: 142.30 hectares
• Bharuch: 140.32 hectares
• Surat: 160.52 hectares
• Valsad: 88.93 hectares

This extensive coverage ensures that the project can proceed smoothly and meet its objectives.

The NHSRCL also shared insights into the project's infrastructure. The operational control center will be located at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, and plans include the establishment of three depots. Two of these depots will be situated in Gujarat, in Surat and Sabarmati, while the third will be in Maharashtra at Thane.

The government's ambitious goal is to launch the first phase of the bullet train, connecting Surat and Bilimora in South Gujarat, by the year 2026. This represents a significant milestone in enhancing intercity connectivity and reducing travel times.

The journey of this ambitious project began when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe inaugurated it in Ahmedabad on September 14, 2017. This marked the commencement of a transformative project that aimed to revolutionize rail travel in India.

Upon completion, the 508-kilometer route is expected to offer rapid travel times, significantly reducing the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to an estimated 3-3.5 hours. The project employs Japan's Shinkansen technology, renowned for its high-speed capabilities.

Beyond speed, the project aims to provide a high-frequency mass transportation system, offering convenience and efficiency to passengers.

The project has been funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through a soft loan of Rs 88,000 crore from Japan. Originally scheduled for completion by 2022, the project encountered challenges related to land acquisition, necessitating a revised timeline.

The achievement of 100% land acquisition in Gujarat is a significant milestone that paves the way for a new era in transportation in India. It brings the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project one step closer to revolutionizing the way people travel between these two major cities. This achievement underscores the commitment to developing modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions.

The successful completion of land acquisition is a testament to the dedication and efforts of all involved in this groundbreaking project. It sets the stage for a future of high-speed rail transport in India, promising a more connected and efficient country.