Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Rises 83% After 4-Year.

India Bullet Train Project Cost Jumps 83% Amid Prolonged Delays

New Delhi: India’s first high-speed rail project, the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train, has witnessed a sharp escalation in cost due to prolonged delays. The project cost has increased by around 83%, rising from the originally sanctioned ₹1.1 lakh crore to nearly ₹1.98 lakh crore. The delay of more than four years has impacted timelines, finances, and execution, making it one of the most closely watched infrastructure projects in the country.

Overview of the Bullet Train Project

The 508-kilometre Ahmedabad–Mumbai High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor is being implemented by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHRSCL) with technical and financial assistance from Japan. Designed for a top operational speed of 320 kmph, the project aims to drastically reduce travel time between the two major economic hubs of western India.

Once fully operational, the bullet train is expected to transform regional connectivity, boost economic activity, and mark a significant leap in India’s railway modernization efforts.

Revised Timeline: Partial Operations from 2027

Due to execution delays, the project has undergone multiple timeline revisions. According to the latest updates:

• The first operational section between Surat and Bilimora is expected to be inaugurated by August 2027
• The entire corridor is now targeted for completion by December 2029

Originally, the project was planned to be completed much earlier, but unforeseen challenges have pushed back deadlines significantly.

Reasons Behind Cost Escalation

The sharp rise in project cost has been attributed to multiple factors:

1. Land Acquisition Delays

Land acquisition, particularly in Maharashtra, emerged as a major bottleneck. Negotiations with landowners and legal hurdles slowed down construction activities for several years.

2. Statutory and Environmental Clearances

Obtaining environmental approvals and other statutory clearances took longer than anticipated, affecting the pace of civil works.

3. Finalisation of Rolling Stock

The delay in finalising high-speed rolling stock technology and procurement agreements added to both time and cost overruns.

4. Inflation and Extended Project Duration

Rising input costs, material prices, and financing costs over an extended construction period have further contributed to the budget increase.

Current Project Progress

As per official data released by the Ministry of Railways:

• Physical progress: 55.6% (as of November 30)
• Financial progress: 69.6%
• Total expenditure incurred: ₹85,801 crore

The higher financial progress compared to physical progress reflects the capital-intensive nature of initial civil works, viaducts, tunnels, and technology procurement.

One of the most complex sections of the project is located in Palghar district, between the Virar and Boisar bullet train stations, involving extensive elevated structures and tunneling work.

Government Review and Push for Faster Completion

The bullet train project has been reviewed at the highest levels of government. During a recent review meeting under the PRAGATI initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the Railway Ministry to accelerate construction and ensure timely completion of remaining works.

Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar has stated that while the final approval for the revised project cost is still pending, it is expected to be cleared within the next one to two months.

Strategic Importance Despite Delays

Despite cost overruns and delays, the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train remains a strategically important national project. It is expected to:

• Introduce high-speed rail technology in India
• Enable technology transfer and skill development
• Reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Mumbai to under three hours
• Set benchmarks for future high-speed rail corridors in India

Experts believe that early challenges are common in first of its kind mega infrastructure projects and that lessons learned will help streamline future corridors.

Conclusion

The 83% increase in project cost underscores the complexities involved in executing large-scale, technology-intensive infrastructure projects in India. While delays have pushed the budget and timelines, the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train continues to represent a transformative vision for India’s transportation future.

With stronger execution focus, government oversight, and improved coordination, the coming years will be critical in ensuring that India’s first bullet train delivers on its promise of speed, safety, and economic growth.

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