+
Bullet Train Project: NHSRCL Signs Contract for 21 km Undersea Tunnel
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Bullet Train Project: NHSRCL Signs Contract for 21 km Undersea Tunnel

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL), responsible for India's inaugural bullet train initiative, has entered into a contract with Afcons Infrastructure to construct a 21 km tunnel. This significant tender encompasses the construction of India's first-ever undersea rail tunnel, measuring 7 km in length, located in Maharashtra. The awarded bid for the entire project amounts to approximately Rs 63.97 billion, making it the sole tunnel within the proposed bullet train venture.

According to a statement from NHSRCL, the technical bids for this tender were opened in February, while the financial bids were unveiled in April 2023.

Managing Director of NHSRCL, Rajendra Prasad, stated that the construction of this 21 km tunnel presents one of the most challenging contracts along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The scope of work encompasses the creation of the country's first twin-track undersea rail tunnel spanning 7 km at Thane Creek. Prasad added, "We will utilise three tunnel boring machines and employ the innovative Austrian tunnelling method for this construction."

The proposed bullet train is expected to operate at a maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour (kmph), enabling the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to be completed in approximately two hours. The total corridor length spans 508 kilometers, encompassing 12 stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in March of this year that the bullet train project could potentially be operational by August 2026, with the aim of expanding its service to a larger section by 2027.

Current estimates project the cost of the bullet train initiative to exceed Rs 1000 billion, with ticket prices for the full journey anticipated to be over Rs 2,000 per passenger. In May 2016, the government estimated the Internal Rate of Return of the project at 4 per cent and the Economic Internal Rate of Return at 11.8 per cent.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL), responsible for India's inaugural bullet train initiative, has entered into a contract with Afcons Infrastructure to construct a 21 km tunnel. This significant tender encompasses the construction of India's first-ever undersea rail tunnel, measuring 7 km in length, located in Maharashtra. The awarded bid for the entire project amounts to approximately Rs 63.97 billion, making it the sole tunnel within the proposed bullet train venture.According to a statement from NHSRCL, the technical bids for this tender were opened in February, while the financial bids were unveiled in April 2023.Managing Director of NHSRCL, Rajendra Prasad, stated that the construction of this 21 km tunnel presents one of the most challenging contracts along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The scope of work encompasses the creation of the country's first twin-track undersea rail tunnel spanning 7 km at Thane Creek. Prasad added, We will utilise three tunnel boring machines and employ the innovative Austrian tunnelling method for this construction.The proposed bullet train is expected to operate at a maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour (kmph), enabling the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to be completed in approximately two hours. The total corridor length spans 508 kilometers, encompassing 12 stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in March of this year that the bullet train project could potentially be operational by August 2026, with the aim of expanding its service to a larger section by 2027.Current estimates project the cost of the bullet train initiative to exceed Rs 1000 billion, with ticket prices for the full journey anticipated to be over Rs 2,000 per passenger. In May 2016, the government estimated the Internal Rate of Return of the project at 4 per cent and the Economic Internal Rate of Return at 11.8 per cent.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

P Govt Signs MoU With NaBFID for Amaravati Infrastructure Advisory

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) for Transaction Advisory Services. The agreement was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. As per the MoU, NaBFID will support APCRDA in designing a financial strategy and evaluating implementation models including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects in Amaravati. It will also assist in identifying revenue sources and land monetisation op..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Gentari and Shell team up to boost EV charging network in India

Gentari Green Mobility India and Shell India have entered into a strategic roaming partnership aimed at improving electric vehicle (EV) charging accessibility across the country. Starting from 10 July, users of the Gentari Go app will be able to access Shell Recharge charging stations, while Shell Recharge users will also gain access to Gentari’s charging network, covering over 450 chargers.This collaboration is designed to expand the EV charging infrastructure and improve service quality in India by enabling interoperability between the two platforms. Gentari Go already operates more than 3..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Maharashtra may allow higher FSI in Mumbai airport funnel zone

The Maharashtra government is considering the possibility of allowing higher potential Floor Space Index (FSI) for buildings located within Mumbai's airport funnel zone, in response to the redevelopment challenges caused by stringent height restrictions in these areas.The affected regions mainly include Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Kurla. As part of its revised policy for the funnel zone, the state government is, for the first time, offering Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) specifically for redevelopment purposes rather than for land acquisition.The issue was highlighted in the Assembly, whe..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?