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

12 Jun 2023 CW Team

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.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..