Mumbai: The Bullet Train Project, which is called PM Modi’s dream project, is now gaining momentum in Maharashtra, but with its deadline, the cost is also increasing continuously. All the process of making the underground terminal station of the bullet train in BKC has been completed. NHSRCL has completed the clearance process for the work relating to the design and construction of the underground Mumbai High-Speed Rail Station under the M/s MEIL-HCC Joint Venture. This is the first contract awarded to Maharashtra for Bullet Train.
The world-class terminal, to be built 24 meters below the ground in an area of 4.85 hectares, will be built in 54 months. Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) bullet train station will have 6 platforms. Each platform will be approximately 414 meters which will be enough to accommodate a 16-coach bullet train. Bandra Kurla Complex HSR station will be the only underground station on the Mumbai Ahmedabad HSR corridor.
Will be connected to Metro-2B
BKC Bullet Station will have connectivity with Metro-2B along with road transport. The station of the Metro-2B corridor connecting DN Nagar to Mankhurd will be connected to BKC’s Bullet Train Terminal. In addition, there are also plans to connect the concourses and platforms with other modes of transport such as metro, buses, autos, and taxis.
Tunnel from BKC to Shilphata
A 21 km long tunnel will be built from BKC to Shilphata in Thane for the bullet train. A 7 km under-sea tunnel will also be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail. The tunnel will be about 25 to 65 meters deep from the ground level and the deepest construction will be 114 meters below Parsik hill near Shilphata. Its work will start in the new year.
Underwater tunnel in thane
For the bullet train project, a tunnel will be built for the first time underwater in the country. Thane Creek will have an underwater single-tube tunnel of about 7 km. Inside which twin tracks will be made. The tender process for this has started. Apart from this, there will also be a station in Palghar. For the bullet train, there will be a 21 km-long tunnel from BKC to Shilphata in Thane. By the way, there will be a car shed for the bullet train at Mankoli, Bhiwandi in the Thane district. The land has been acquired for this.
Deadline 2027 in Gujarat
The bullet train project, which started in 2017, was to be completed by 2023, but due to various reasons, the deadline to start it from the Gujarat side has been pushed to 2027. Its work is being done in three packages. Bullet train project work is going on fast in 8 districts of Gujarat. Elevated work has started with a cent percent land acquisition. Bridges are being built over the rivers. Even the work of laying tracks has started.
Acquisition of 98 percent of land
It was told that more than 98 percent of the land has been acquired for the bullet train. Maharashtra has already been delayed due to some controversy. Recently, after the Supreme Court returned Godrej’s petition, all the obstacles coming in the way of the bullet train have been removed. Work has started in Maharashtra now, but the deadline is likely to increase.
Project costs will increase
The bullet train project, which started in 2017, was to be completed by 2023, but due to various reasons, the trial of the bullet train will not be done before 2027. According to NHSRCL officials, initially, the project was worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore, but now the cost is spiraling up with delays. While getting ready, the cost may increase up to Rs 1.65 lakh crore. Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, and Boisar are the four stations to be built in Maharashtra. Station work has not started in Thane, Palghar.
