Bullet train by August 2026, hyperloop 7-8 years away

17 Mar 2023 CW Team

Today, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of railways, suggested that the bullet train project would be completed by August 2026. The hyperloop technology, he claimed, is still 7-8 years away.

The minister acknowledged that there had been some problems in Maharashtra that had caused the project's early delays but that they had been rectified by the state's new administration.

He stated that "154 pillars for the bullet train have been done in one and a half years" to emphasise how quickly the construction was completed.

He responded that the administration has established a goal date of August 2026 for the country to expect the first bullet train. "The government intends to start operating the first bullet train in August 2026. In 2027, it is intended to operate the bullet train on a longer part,”said the minister.

The minister acknowledged the potential of the hyperloop but added that "if speaking realistically," the technology is still seven to eight years away.

On the rail budget, he stated that it "is historic and is going to radically impact the productivity of India's economy" in 2023. Vaishnaw, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Communication, also emphasised India's technological advancements. As comparison to ten years ago, he claimed, practically all mobile phones are now Made in India.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..