Mumbai-Thane bullet train tunnel excavation completed, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Excavation of a 4.8 km undersea tunnel connecting Mumbai and Thane for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project was completed.
• The 21 km undersea tunnel is a part of the larger project being carried out by National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL).
• The first section of the bullet train project is expected to be operational by 2027.
• The bullet train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to 2 hours and 7 minutes.
• The bullet train will initially run between Surat and Bilimora from 2027, extending to Thane by 2028 and Mumbai by 2029.

Detailed Insights:

• The excavation was carried out simultaneously from Ghansoli and Shilphata sides of the Mumbai-Thane creek, overcoming challenging underwater terrain.
• Japan has agreed to provide India with the latest E10 Shinkansen, Japan’s next-generation bullet train for this project.
• Loco pilots are undergoing hands-on training in Japan using advanced simulators to ensure high standards of safety and efficiency.
• The bullet train will operate at an average speed of 320 kmph.
• Initial service frequency will be every 30 minutes during peak hours, eventually reducing to every 10 minutes based on traffic demands.
• Delays in permissions under the previous government in Maharashtra led to a 2.5-year delay and cost escalation for the ₹1.08 lakh crore project.
• A survey is underway by IIT Mumbai to address cracks developed in 78 houses along the bullet train corridor.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NHSRCL: The entity responsible for implementing high-speed rail projects in India.
• Shinkansen: The bullet train technology and system used in Japan, known for its safety and efficiency.
• Cost Escalation: The increase in the original estimated cost of a project, often due to delays or unforeseen circumstances.