Bullet Train Tunnel Linking BKC And Thane Underway, Rail Expansion Planned
Work is progressing on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, with two tunnel boring machines operating simultaneously on the undersea tunnel section connecting Thane with the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday. Speaking via video link from Delhi, the minister stated that the first section of the bullet train project is slated to open in 2027.
Vaishnaw made the remarks during an official event organised to flag off the new CSMT-Sawantwadi Road daily Express, which will enhance direct passenger connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region. Several leaders attended the event in person, including Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, minister Nitesh Rane, and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
Detailing Mumbai's suburban rail infrastructure, Vaishnaw stated that roughly 3,200 local train services currently run across the city network. He noted that plans are underway to increase the total number of services by approximately 10 per cent to improve daily commuter movement. The Railways is undertaking systematic capacity enhancements, signalling upgrades, and the rollout of new-generation suburban rakes to support the expansion.
According to the minister, the Railways has placed an order with the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai to manufacture 28 air-conditioned local trains. The first of these trains is scheduled to enter production in 2027, with the network slated to receive 238 new-design, new-generation suburban trains by 2030 to transform travel across the metropolitan area.
Vaishnaw also outlined the newly budgeted east-west rail corridor between Surat and Dankuni, which will carry dedicated freight and passenger lines connecting unserved regions in western Maharashtra, Nashik, and other districts. The proposal took shape following inputs from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a recent event in Pune regarding the integration of freight corridors with emerging industrial zones.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that the completed eastern and western Dedicated Freight Corridors will bolster freight movement from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust to northern, eastern, and central India. Addressing upcoming holiday travel, Vaishnaw announced that 350 special trains will operate for the Ganesh festival to Konkan, with services scaling up to 375 if demand requires.
