The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, India’s first bullet train project, is gearing up for phased commissioning of the 352-km-long Gujarat portion operational by August 2027.
Though the partial operation by August 2027 seems to be unlikely with the overall physical progress of 36.13 per cent, against a target of 38.3 per cent, National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), is stepping up efforts to tide over the shortfall of 2.17 per cent, according to the latest data.
For the 352 km of Gujarat portion, out of 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, NHSRCL has already acquired 97 per cent of land.
According to the Indian Railways, commissioning of the Vapi-Sabarmati section in Gujarat is priority now. However, for this Japan has to agree to make August 2027 as a common target, between both itself and India.
Since JICA is funding the project, Japan could consider phased commissioning if the Indian side agrees for setting feasible milestones in the bidding document.
According to the monthly progress report, major reasons for shortfall are delay in tendering in Maharashtra due to late land acquisition. However, now all the three civil packages have been awarded.
Progress Of Civil Works:
Initial mobilisation of major equipments was delayed due to port congestion on account of Covid restrictions.
The project has achieved financial progress of 39.96 per cent upto 31 August 2023 with an expenditure of Rs 48,096.34 crore and spending of Rs 1,183.75 crore in August. Total expenditure in FY 2023-24 has been estimated as Rs 5,914.08 crore.
According to the progress report, the 320-m-long river bridge over Auranga in Valsad district was completed in August. This is the fifth river bridge of the project that has been completed.
Construction of the first reinforced concrete track bed started in Surat in the month of August. At Surat station, concourse and rail level slabs were also completed.