Mumbai | 14 July 2025 — India achieved a landmark moment in its infrastructure journey with the opening of the first section of the 21-km-long undersea tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata as part of the ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, popularly known as the bullet train project. This development signifies a leap forward in cutting-edge engineering and international collaboration, particularly with Japan, which is playing a pivotal role in bringing the Shinkansen high-speed rail technology to India.
A Historic Engineering Feat: India’s First Undersea Rail Tunnel
The undersea tunnel, part of the Mumbai–Thane stretch, forms a crucial segment of the 508-km-long high-speed corridor. This segment will allow bullet trains to travel under the sea bed between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane, connecting two vital urban centers in Maharashtra with minimal environmental disruption and maximum operational efficiency.
Next-Gen E10 Shinkansen Trains to Power India’s Bullet Trains
In a remarkable technological collaboration, Japan has agreed to deploy its next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route. These advanced trains, which succeed the E5 series currently in use, will debut simultaneously in India and Japan. The E10 will set new standards in speed, safety, and passenger comfort, exemplifying the strength of the India–Japan strategic partnership in infrastructure and innovation.
Rapid Progress Across the Corridor
The MAHSR project is progressing at an unprecedented pace:
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310 km of viaducts have already been constructed, representing over 60% of the alignment.
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15 river bridges have been completed, with 4 more nearing completion.
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Out of 12 planned stations, 5 are fully built, and 3 more are in the final stages of construction.
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The BKC station, a key terminal point, is an architectural and engineering marvel. Situated 32.5 meters underground, it is designed to support a 95-meter-high commercial building above it.
Additionally, track laying, overhead electrification, bridge-building, and systems procurement are progressing in sync across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
India’s High-Speed Vision Expands Beyond MAHSR
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor is more than a standalone project—it is the foundation stone of India’s future bullet train network. Encouraged by the success of MAHSR, the government is actively considering future corridors to extend high-speed connectivity across the country, including proposals for routes connecting Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Strategic Indo-Japanese Collaboration
The deployment of Shinkansen technology over the entire 508 km of the corridor underlines Japan’s trusted role as a long-term strategic and technological partner of India. This collaboration not only involves financial and technological assistance but also ensures transfer of knowledge and global best practices in infrastructure.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the undersea tunnel section of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project marks a historic chapter in India’s infrastructure evolution. With the simultaneous launch of the E10 Shinkansen in India and Japan, the project symbolizes the future of transportation, combining speed, safety, and sustainability. As India strides toward its Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, the bullet train project serves as a blueprint for world-class urban mobility and global partnerships.
Source: PIB
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