Bullet train on slow track: India's Ahmedabad-Mumbai project hits speed bump as costs surge 83% to ₹1.98 lakh crore
Ahmedabad (The Uttam Hindu): A major update has emerged for those awaiting the completion of the country's first and most ambitious bullet train project (the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor). The project's cost has escalated significantly due to delays of more than four years. Initially targeted to be completed at a cost of approximately ₹1.1 lakh crore, the project's estimated cost has now risen to ₹1.98 lakh crore, representing an increase of approximately 83 percent from the initial approved amount.
Railway Board informed about the increase in cost
In a briefing held under the government's 'Pragati' initiative, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar said that the revised cost is yet to be finalized, but the new figure is around Rs 1.98 lakh crore. The cost revision is ongoing and is expected to be finalized in the next one or two months. The main reasons behind the delay and budget overrun in this project, being executed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHRSCL), are said to be hurdles in land acquisition, time taken in legal approvals, and delay in selection of trains (rolling stock).
How much work has been completed so far?
According to railway data, as of November 30th, the project's physical progress was 55.6% complete, and financial progress was 69.6%. ₹85,801 crore has been spent on the project so far. Sources say Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the Railway Ministry's performance last month and issued strict instructions to expedite the completion of this dream project.
A major breakthrough was achieved in Palghar, the minister witnessed the scene
Amid reports of cost overruns, the project has reached a significant milestone. On Friday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav inspected the breakthrough of a 1.5-kilometer-long mountain tunnel in Maharashtra's Palghar district via video conferencing. Located between Virar and Boisar stations, the tunnel has been named "Mountain Tunnel-5." The ministry described it as a major feat of engineering. It's worth noting that a 5-kilometer-long underground tunnel between Thane and BKC was also completed in September 2025.
First phase in 2027, complete corridor by 2029
The bullet train is designed to run at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. In the future, Japan's modern E10 series Shinkansen trains will also be able to run on this track. This project will also prove to be a game changer from an environmental perspective, as it will reduce carbon emissions by 95% compared to road transport. According to the plan, the first phase between Surat and Bilimora is expected to be operational by August 2027, while the entire 508-kilometer corridor will be completed by December 2029. bullet train