MUMBAI: Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday that the first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, connecting Surat and Bilimora, will be inaugurated in 2027. He added that nearly 80 per cent of India’s first high-speed rail corridor has already been completed, with the remaining sections set to open in phases.Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the start of commercial production at CG Semi’s OSAT facility in Gujarat’s Sanand, Vaishnaw said construction of the bullet train corridor was progressing rapidly.“The first section of the Bullet Train from Surat to Bilimora will be inaugurated in 2027. Thereafter, the Wapi-Surat section, followed by Wapi-Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad-Thane and finally Ahmedabad-Mumbai will be completed in phases. The work is progressing very fast,” minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.The minister said around 80 per cent of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project had already been completed and expressed confidence that the work would be finished within the planned timeline.During the event, Vaishnaw also highlighted India’s progress in semiconductor manufacturing, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the country’s third semiconductor plant later in the day. He described the development as a major achievement after decades of efforts to build the sector.“Today is a historic day as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate the country’s third semiconductor plant. It is the result of India’s 60 years of perseverance and has become possible because of the Prime Minister’s vision,” minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.Vaishnaw said semiconductor manufacturing had remained a national priority for the past six decades.“Finally, it was possible with the vision and execution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added.He pointed out that the first semiconductor plant was inaugurated in Sanand on February 28, the second on March 31, and the third was being inaugurated on July 4, reflecting the rapid pace of development in the sector.The Railway Minister also announced several infrastructure measures to improve transport and railway facilities in Ahmedabad following a meeting with local leaders.He said work on an underpass at Omnagar was underway and officials had been directed to complete it before Navratri. A new master plan has also been prepared for Asarwa station, under which the station will be redeveloped into a major terminal along with the construction of a new DRM office.Vaishnaw further said a second entry would be created at Ahmedabad railway station from the Sarangpur side to improve access and support development in the surrounding area. He added that Ahmedabad station was already being upgraded into a world-class railway station.To tackle traffic congestion, the minister said a proposed flyover from Shahpur was discussed with the Monument Authority. He added that he had spoken to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who assured full cooperation in resolving the issue.Another proposal discussed was extending the station road from Sabarmati to Sabarmati railway station. Vaishnaw said a detailed master plan had already been prepared to improve connectivity and make access to the station easier for commuters.
