Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has put brakes on the speed of the bullet train work, which is called the dream project of PM Narendra Modi. Recently, in an apparent meeting, CM Uddhav Thackeray again questioned the usefulness of the bullet train and linked it to the identity of Maharashtra and Mumbai. After that protest by CM Uddhav Thackeray, the discussion of the suspension of bullet train work started in the state. It is worth mentioning that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is being worked on in collaboration with the Government of Japan.
The state government had to give 5 thousand crores for the bullet train starting from Mumbai. According to a senior NHRCL official, Gujarat has paid its share, but there has been no help from the Maharashtra government, although the land acquisition work had progressed somewhat in the past months.
Had to cancel the tender 11 times
It was informed that due to the non-receipt of land and funds for the Bandra-Kurla Complex, it has been decided to cancel the tunnel work between Shilphata and Bandra-Kurla station. Other administrative reasons were given for canceling the tender, but the non-payment of Rs 5,000 crore by the state government for the project is also one of the reasons behind it. It was told that the tender had to be canceled not once or twice but 11 times. The tenders were announced in November 2019 to expedite the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
Work fast in Gujarat
The work of the bullet train project in Gujarat is going on in full swing. Elevated work has started with almost 100% land acquisition. Bridges are being built over rivers. Even the work of laying the tracks has started.
Effect of political turmoil
It is discussed that the ongoing political tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena in the state is affecting the bullet train project. The head of the government, Uddhav Thackeray himself, keeps expressing his displeasure over the bullet train project. Due to this, getting the very important BKC land for the terminal of the bullet train is also proving to be a difficult task. Uddhav Thackeray is also angry with the Centre’s own claim and interference over the Khar land in Kanjurmarg for the proposed depot of Mumbai Metro-3.
Delay will increase the cost
The bullet train project, which started in 2017, was to be completed by 2023, but due to various reasons, its deadline has now been shifted to 2027. According to NHRCL officials. Initially, the project was Rs 1.08 lakh crore, but with the delay, the cost will increase. Of this 508.17 km project, 384.04 km is in Gujarat, 155.76 km is in Maharashtra and 4.3 km is in Dadra Nagar Haveli. The bullet train will have 12 stations on its way, out of which 8 are to be built in Gujarat, and 4 in Maharashtra. The train will run elevated in Gujarat and underground in Maharashtra. Delay in this will also increase the cost.
This is the situation
Out of 433.42 hectares of land in the state, only 275.69 hectares of land have been acquired, while in Gujarat and Dadra Nagar Haveli almost 100% of the land has been acquired. A total of 1225.83 hectares of land has been transferred to NHRCL in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.
