India's bullet train project: 360km completed, undersea tunnel work underway
What's the story
In a major development for India's ambitious bullet train project, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that 360km of the high-speed rail line has been constructed.
Vaishnaw made the announcement during his inspection of the Ahmedabad Railway Station Redevelopment Project.
He also said that they are working to overcome a two-and-a-half-year delay due to permission issues with ex-Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Vaishnaw added that nearly 2km of an undersea tunnel is now complete.
Project praise
Union Minister praises the project
Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, inspected the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project and hailed it as a major step toward India's infrastructural development.
He said this project is in line with PM Narendra Modi's vision for a modern railway network and has employed nearly one lakh people.
"High-speed rail is needed for the world, and this project is leading India toward 'Vikshit Bharat,'" he added.
Project impact
Bullet train project: A significant step toward infrastructure development
The bullet train project, developed in partnership with Japan, is considered a major leap toward India's infrastructure development.
It is expected to improve regional connectivity, economic growth, and generate jobs in western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The MAHSR project will link major business hubs like Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.
The project has been approved at a total cost of ₹1.08 lakh crore.