By Nirjala
A Game-Changer for India’s Infrastructure, Fueled by India-Japan Partnership
In a significant update on India’s ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, Sibi George, India’s Ambassador to Japan, has confirmed that the bullet train is set to commence operations by 2027. Speaking to CNN-News18 ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan for the annual India-Japan Summit, George emphasized the transformative role of Japan in India’s infrastructure development and the steady progress of this flagship project.
A Dream Taking Shape
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, a hallmark of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership established in 2014 by Prime Minister Modi and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is poised to revolutionize travel in India. Covering a distance of 508 kilometers, the high-speed rail will connect Mumbai’s Bandra to Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati station in just three hours, with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 350 km/h. George expressed confidence in the project’s timeline, stating, “I can assure you that by 2027, a train will run on that corridor. I stand by my words.” He highlighted that the bullet train’s operations hinge on Japan supplying its advanced E5 and E3 Shinkansen trains, with discussions on their delivery likely to advance during PM Modi’s upcoming visit.
Progress on the Ground
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is in an advanced stage of construction, particularly in Gujarat, where work between Surat and Bilimora is nearing completion. This stretch is expected to host trial runs soon. Of the 25 river bridges planned for the corridor, 21 are in Gujarat, with 17 already completed, while four are under construction in Maharashtra. Notably, a 7-kilometer section of the route will pass through an undersea tunnel, showcasing the project’s engineering marvel.Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has been closely monitoring the project, conducting multiple inspections to ensure its timely execution. The MAHSR project, often referred to as PM Modi’s “dream project,” is a testament to India’s push for cutting-edge infrastructure and sustainable connectivity.
A Symbol of India-Japan Collaboration
The bullet train project underscores the deepening ties between India and Japan, with Japan playing a pivotal role in providing technology, expertise, and financial support. As Ambassador George noted, Japan’s contribution is central to India’s infrastructure transformation, making the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train a landmark achievement in bilateral cooperation. With construction progressing rapidly and the 2027 deadline in sight, the bullet train is set to redefine travel between two of India’s key economic hubs, bringing the dream of high-speed rail travel closer to reality.