A tripartite MoU worth Rs 77,000 crore signed by the High Speed Rail Corporation (HSRC), a subsidiary of Rail Vikas Nigam limited, Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the Government for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project during Vibrant Gujarat 2017 has turned out to be the most significant achievement of the biennial event organised by the Gujarat Government.
The MoU has been seen as a step towards bringing the Prime Minister’s dream project on ground zero. As per the MoU signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, 25 per cent cost of the total Rs 110 crore bullet train project would be borne by the State Government.
“The State Government would also facilitate to acquire land for the ambitious project expected to be completed by the end of year 2023. Besides, Gujarat-based MSMEs are expected to be benefitted as some parts of the proposed bullet train project would be procured locally,” said a senior official in Gujarat State Infrastructure Board (GIDB).
As per the joint feasibility report on the proposed project most part of the corridor is proposed to be on the elevated track. However, a stretch after Thane creek up to Virar suburb of Mumbai would be under sea as 21 km long tunnel will be constructed, said the official, adding that it would make the journey thrilling for the
travellers.
The bullet train would complete 508 km journey from Ahmedabad to Mumbai in just couple of hours. The train would run at a speed of 350 km per hour. Apart from people of Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s cities including Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat and Vapi would be benefitted largely. In fact, bullet train would be a good option of air travel for people in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
“Plethora of factory owners in Vapi, Daman and Umbergaon area live in Mumbai, and travel up and down every day for work. Bullet train would be a boon for them too," said the official.