Lok Sabha Question No. 4545 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: High Speed Rail Projects
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4545 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## HIGH SPEED RAIL PROJECTS

4545. SMT. RACHNA BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  current  status  of  the  high-speed  rail  projects,  specifically  the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, including the physical progress, financial expenditure and revised completion timelines;
- (b)  the  number of Vande Bharat Express services currently operational and the details of the plan for expanding these services to cover more routes particularly in regions that currently lack semi-high-speed connectivity;
- (c) the details of the steps taken/being taken to indigenize the manufacturing  of  high-speed  rail  components  and  Vande  Bharat  train sets; and
- (d) the details of the projected impact on job creation?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d): The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km)  is  under  execution  with  technical  and  financial  assistance  from Government  of  Japan.  The  Project  is  passing  through  the  States  of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12  stations  planned  at  Mumbai,  Thane,  Virar,  Boisar,  Vapi,  Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Entire  land  (1389.5  Ha.)  for  MAHSR  project  has  been  acquired.  All Statutory Clearances relating to wildlife, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Forest clearance have been obtained. All the civil contracts of the project have been awarded. Out of total 28 tender packages, 24 tender packages have been awarded. All 1651 utilities have been shifted. Noise barriers are being installed to mitigate noise during operations.

## The progress of various major items so far is as under:

| Item             | Progress   | Progress    | Progress    |
|------------------|------------|-------------|-------------|
|                  | Gujarat    | Maharashtra | Total       |
| Foundation       | 350 kms.   | 56 kms.     | 406 Kms.    |
| Piers            | 350 kms.   | 45 kms.     | 395Kms.     |
| Girder Casting   | 332 kms.   | 1.67 kms.   | 333.67 kms. |
| Girder Launching | 312 kms.   | 0.16 kms.   | 312.16 Kms. |

Track laying has started in 127 km of viaduct and erection of OHE masts have been commenced.

Out  of  total  12  stations,  foundation  works  has  been  completed  at  8 stations (Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati). In Maharashtra section, foundation work is in progress at 3 stations (Thane, Virar, Boisar) and excavation work at BKC station is near completion and Casting of base slab started.

16  river  bridges  have  been  completed.  Work  is  in  advance  stage  at  5 major river bridges (Narmada, Vishwamitri, Mahi, Tapti and Sabarmati) in Gujarat & in progress in 4 river bridges in Maharashtra. Work on Depots (Thane, Surat and Sabarmati) is in full swing.

Work of the only tunnel in Gujarat has been completed. The work of the under-sea tunnel (21Km approx.) has started. Out of which, 4 km tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra has been completed.

Cumulative Financial expenditure of ₹ 78,839/- crore has been incurred on the project till 30.06.2025.

This  Project  has  created  employment  for  the  people  associated  with construction directly and indirectly, supply of various goods, construction material, equipment and services etc.

However, Bullet train project is a very complex and technology intensive Project. Exact timelines and cost for the completion of the project can be reasonably ascertained after the completion of all associated works of Civil Structures, Track, Electrical, Signaling & Telecommunication and supply of Trainsets.

Vande  Bharat  trains  are  semi-high  speed  trainsets  for  the  existing network. They are not designed for the Bullet train project. Bullet train project is designed for Japanese Shinkansen trains.

So far,  150 Vande  Bharat  train services, having Chair Cars, are operational  on  the  Broad  Gauge  (B.G.)  electrified  network  of  Indian Railways.  Besides,  introduction  of  new  train  services,  including  Vande Bharat train services, is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

Vande Bharat trainsets have been indigenously designed and manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. Manufacturing of 200 Vande  Bharat Sleeper rakes are underway, under Make  in India initiatives for expanding these services to more routes.

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