Revised Cost Estimate Disclosed
The estimated cost of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project has risen sharply to around ₹1.98 lakh crore, nearly double the original estimate, according to Satish Kumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board under the Ministry of Railways.
Cabinet Approval Pending
Speaking at a briefing marking the 50th meeting of the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) framework, Kumar said the final sanction of the second revised estimate is yet to be approved. He added that the revised cost is still under review and is expected to receive Cabinet approval within the next one to two months.
Original Cost and Funding Structure
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project, being executed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, was initially estimated at around ₹1.08 lakh crore. Of this, approximately ₹88,000 crore was to be financed through low-cost loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. According to officials, JICA will not provide additional funding for the cost escalation, with the Indian government expected to bear the overrun.
Reasons for Cost Escalation
The project has faced multiple delays since inception, primarily due to land acquisition challenges and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled to be operational by 2022, the full corridor is now expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Phased Commissioning Plan
On Thursday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the first bullet train service is planned to begin on August 15, 2027, on the Surat–Bilimora stretch. The corridor will be opened in phases, followed by Vapi–Surat, Vapi–Ahmedabad and Thane–Ahmedabad sections, with the Mumbai–Ahmedabad stretch coming up in the final phase.
Project Scope
The 508-kilometre high-speed rail corridor will have 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Anand and Ahmedabad, marking India’s first operational bullet train project.
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