Japanese experts will train 1,000 Indian engineers for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor before starting work on the track system.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will use the ballast-less Slab Track system (popularly known as the J Slab track system), which is used in Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed railways.
Slab Track consists of precast Reinforced Concrete (RC) slab, over which fastening devices and rails are fitted.
According to National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the Japanese track system is unparalleled globally, and its installation requires technicians with exceptional proficiency.
Rajendra Prasad, Managing Director of NHSRCL, stated that 20 Japanese experts will certify the skills of Indian engineers, supervisors and technicians through intensive training, paving the way for the transfer of technology of the Japanese HSR track system.
JARTS, a Japanese non-profit, nominated by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will provide training for the MAHSR project.
“Track is the most important component of the High-speed rail (HSR) system and needs to be laid to a very high degree of accuracy,” said a spokesperson of NHSRCL, reports The Hindu.
Surat Depot has established a training facility for three trail lines, aimed at preparing workers for tasks on the 237 km between Vapi and Vadodara.
About 15 courses will cover track work skills such as slab manufacturing, track bed construction, surveying, installation, and welding. Topics include site management, reference pin analysis, CAM installation, rail welding, arc welding, and turnout installation.
The NHSRCL spokesperson said only certified engineers should handle site track construction.
India’s First Bullet Train Project
Presently, MAHSAR is the only sanctioned high-speed rail project in the country.
The High-Speed Rail operating at 320 kmph will traverse along west India’s landscape, covering a 508.17 km distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in just about two hours. This will save time compared to current travel time between the two terminal stations by about nine hours (by bus) or six hours (by conventional railways).
It will cover 155.76 km in Maharashtra, 4.3 km in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 348.04 km in Gujarat, with 12 stations en route.
The first trial run of MAHSR project, is scheduled for August 2026 between Surat and Bilimora (63 km).
The government is yet to determine a final deadline for the entire project.