Modi, Abe Launch India’s 1st Bullet Train Project: Key Highlights

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail project will cost India Rs 1.08 lakh crore.

Currently 11 stations are proposed in its plan starting from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Photo used for representational purpose.

(Photo: iStock)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone of India’s first bullet train project in Ahmedabad on 14 September. Here are a few highlights:

• The ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail project will cost India Rs 1.08 lakh crore ($17 billion).
• Japan has loaned India a sum of Rs 88,000 crore at a rate of 0.1 percent interest for 50 years.
• The foundation-laying ceremony was held at the Athletic Stadium near the Sabarmati Railway Station.
• Accommodating 750 people, the bullet train is expected to reduce the travel time between the two cities from seven hours to roughly three hours.
• The project, which is expected to be commissioned by 2022, will have a dozen halts. A 21-km-long tunnel will be dug between Boisar and BKC in Mumbai, seven kilometres of which will be under the sea.
• At the event, Modi said, “India now has a friend who has loaned her Rs 88,000 crore at an interest of 0.1%.” He called the project a “big gift” from Japan to India.

Also Read: Ready for India’s First Bullet Train? Here Are its Top Features

Below are a few interesting facts about the train.

(Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

(With inputs from IANS)

Also Read: Live: PM Modi Says Bullet Trains a ‘Big Gift’ From Japan to India