PM Modi Reviews Progress of India's First Bullet Train Project at Surat Station

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, Gujarat on Saturday to review the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.

During his visit, PM Modi engaged with the project team working on India's pioneering Bullet train initiative. He inquired about various aspects of the project's advancement, particularly focusing on speed targets and timeline adherence. Team members assured the Prime Minister that the project was progressing without significant challenges, according to an official release from the Prime Minister's Office.

An engineer from Kerala shared insights about her work at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic technology is being utilized for welding rebar cages. When PM Modi asked about her personal experience contributing to India's first bullet train project, she expressed immense pride, describing it as a "dream project" and noting that her family shares her sense of accomplishment.

The Prime Minister reflected on the motivation that comes from national service, stating that working for the nation and contributing to innovative projects provides tremendous inspiration. He drew a comparison to India's space program, noting how the country progressed from launching its first satellite to now deploying hundreds.

Shruti from Bengaluru, serving as Lead Engineering Manager, detailed the comprehensive design and engineering control processes implemented throughout the project. She explained that her team conducts thorough evaluations at each execution stage, analyzing pros and cons, identifying solutions, and exploring alternatives to ensure flawless implementation.

PM Modi suggested documenting these experiences in a "Blue Book" format to facilitate the large-scale implementation of bullet trains across India. He emphasized the importance of avoiding repeated experimentation, instead advocating for replication of proven models with a clear understanding of the underlying principles.

He further noted that meaningful replication requires comprehension of why specific decisions were made, warning that without such understanding, replication could lack purpose. The Prime Minister suggested that maintaining comprehensive records would benefit future students and contribute significantly to national development, stating: "We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country."

During the interaction, an employee expressed his commitment through poetry, which the Prime Minister acknowledged with appreciation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was also present during the visit.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor extends approximately 508 kilometers, with 352 kilometers traversing Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 kilometers in Maharashtra. This ambitious project will connect major urban centers including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai, representing a significant advancement in India's transportation infrastructure.

The corridor features cutting-edge engineering techniques aligned with international standards. Approximately 85% of the route (465 kilometers) is being constructed on viaducts to minimize land disruption and enhance safety. To date, 326 kilometers of viaduct work has been completed, along with 17 out of the planned 25 river bridges.

Once operational, the Bullet Train will dramatically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately two hours, transforming inter-city travel by making it significantly faster, more convenient, and more comfortable. The project is anticipated to stimulate business activities, tourism, and economic development throughout the entire corridor.

The Surat-Bilimora section, spanning about 47 kilometers, is nearing completion, with civil works and track-bed laying fully finished. The Surat station's design draws inspiration from the city's globally renowned diamond industry, combining elegance with functionality.

With a strong emphasis on passenger experience, the station will feature spacious waiting areas, restrooms, and retail facilities. It will also provide integrated multi-modal connectivity with the Surat Metro system, city bus services, and the existing Indian Railways network.