India, Japan Review Progress of Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Hiromasa Nakano, conducted a joint review of the ongoing Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project—India’s first bullet train corridor.

Minister Nakano received a warm traditional Garba welcome upon arrival at Surat International Airport. The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Mukesh Dalal, Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani, senior railway officials, and representatives from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).

During their visit to Surat, the ministers toured the track construction base and observed the installation of the J-slab ballast-less track system on the viaduct—an advanced technology being used for the project. Minister Vaishnaw also highlighted a recent milestone: the successful installation of the project’s first track turnout near the Surat High-Speed Rail station.

The delegation later travelled to Mumbai aboard the Vande Bharat Express to inspect progress at the upcoming Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) underground bullet train station. Excavation at the site has reached a depth of over 30 metres—comparable to a 10-storey building—with nearly 84% of the excavation work already completed.

Designed to offer a world-class passenger experience, the BKC station will include three levels: platform, concourse, and service floor. It will feature modern amenities, integrated metro and road connectivity, and skylights to provide natural lighting throughout the facility.

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, developed with Japanese collaboration, marks a significant step towards transforming India’s rail infrastructure and introducing high-speed rail travel to the country.