Indian and Japanese Ministers Inspect Progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism Hiromasa Nakano, toured key construction sites of the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) project in Surat and Mumbai on Friday. The visit underscored the deepening India-Japan partnership in advancing the nation’s first bullet train corridor.
The ministers’ itinerary kicked off with a warm reception for Nakano at Surat International Airport, where he was greeted with a traditional Garba performance. Joining the welcome were Surat MP Mukesh Dalal, Mayor Daxesh Mavani, Chairman of the Railway Board, senior railway officials, National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) representatives, and district administrators.
Rapid Track Installation Showcased in SuratAt the Surat HSR site, the dignitaries inspected the track construction base, where workers demonstrated the installation of the advanced J-slab ballast-less track system on the viaduct. Officials highlighted the swift pace of track slab installation and permanent rail laying, marking a significant milestone in the project’s execution.
Vaishnaw recently oversaw the installation of the first track turnout near the Surat HSR station, further accelerating connectivity efforts along the corridor.
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Mumbai’s Underground BKC Station Nears Finish LineTraveling from Surat to Mumbai aboard the high-speed Vande Bharat Express, the ministers then reviewed developments at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) bullet train station. H.E. Nakano and his delegation praised the Vande Bharat’s quality and comfort during the journey.
The BKC station, an underground marvel on the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR route, is progressing toward completion with 84% of excavation finished. Dug to a depth exceeding 30 meters—comparable to a 10-story building—the facility will span three levels: platforms, concourse, and service areas. It promises seamless integration with metro lines and road networks, featuring two entry/exit points: one adjacent to the metro station and another near the MTNL building.Designed with passenger convenience in mind, the station will boast expansive spaces, cutting-edge amenities, and skylights for natural illumination, blending urban functionality with modern aesthetics.
Project Hits Key Milestones Amid Tunnel AdvancesAs of September 2025, the bullet train corridor has made substantial strides: 323 km of the viaduct stands complete, complemented by 399 km of pier work. Notable achievements include 17 river bridges, five pre-stressed concrete (PSC) bridges, and nine steel bridges now operational.Additionally, 211 km of track bed has been laid, with over 400,000 noise barriers installed to minimize environmental impact. Excavation continues on seven mountain tunnels in Palghar district, while a breakthrough has been achieved in 5 km of the 21-km New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) tunnel linking BKC to Shilphata.
Support infrastructure is also advancing, with rolling stock depots under construction in Surat and Ahmedabad. Superstructure work on all Gujarat stations is in advanced stages, and construction has commenced on Maharashtra’s three elevated stations. Nakano’s visit symbolizes the robust India-Japan collaboration driving this landmark infrastructure initiative, poised to revolutionize high-speed travel and boost economic ties between the two nations.
