Rs 1.1 lakh cr to Rs 2.1 lakh cr: Why cost of 1st bullet train project has doubled
The bullet train project is also becoming a platform for India's own high-speed rail ambitions. BEML and ICF are developing India's first indigenous high-speed trainset, with the first expected to roll out in 2027. The trains are being designed for operating speeds of around 250 kmph, with a design speed of 280 kmph.
The cost of India's first bullet train project from Mumbai to Ahmedabad has nearly doubled in nine years, reaching approximately Rs 2.1 lakh crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the project in September 2017, but it is now anticipated to be completed by the second half of 2027. The primary reasons for the cost escalation are the extended land acquisition process in Maharashtra and delays in receiving train sets from Japan. The railway ministry has submitted a proposal seeking approval for the revised cost to the Cabinet.
The project, known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, is being developed in collaboration with Japan, utilizing Shinkansen technology. It will feature eight-coach high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 280 kmph, with the first section of the corridor set to open in August 2027 between Surat and Bilimora. The government is also exploring the possibility of seven additional high-speed rail routes, including connections between Bengaluru and major cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune.
The project's original estimated cost was around Rs 1.1 lakh crore, but railway officials have indicated that the additional funding will likely come from budgetary support. BEML and ICF are manufacturing India's first indigenous high-speed trainsets, with the first set expected to be rolled out in 2027. These trains will feature world-class amenities, including fully air-conditioned chair cars, advanced infotainment systems, and specialized seating arrangements for passengers with disabilities. The bullet trains will be designed to operate in India's heat and dust conditions.
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