Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked engineers working on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project to document their experiences, which will be useful in planning and implementing similar projects elsewhere.

Modi was interacting with engineers and other workers of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) project in Surat on Saturday.

Prime Minister Modi said that if the experiences gained from the project are recorded and compiled like a ‘blue book’, the country could move decisively towards large-scale implementation of bullet trains. He stated that India should avoid repeated experimentation and instead replicate lessons learned from existing models.

Modi emphasized that replication would only be meaningful when there is clear understanding of why certain steps were taken. He cautioned that otherwise, replication could occur without purpose or direction.

He suggested that maintaining such records would benefit future students and contribute to nation building. The Prime Minister said, “We will dedicate our lives here and leave something valuable for the country.”

Modi inquired about the project’s progress, including adherence to speed and schedule targets.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that workers assured him the project was progressing smoothly without any difficulties.

An engineer from Kerala shared her experience working at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic units are being used for rebar welding.

Modi asked her how she personally viewed the experience of building India’s first bullet train and what she shares with her family about this historic achievement. She expressed pride in contributing to the country’s first bullet train and described it as a “dream project” and “moment of pride” for her family.

Reflecting on the spirit of national service, the Prime Minister emphasized that when the feeling of working for the nation and contributing something new awakens, it becomes an immense source of inspiration.

He compared this to India’s space journey, recalling how scientists who launched the country’s first satellite must have felt, and how hundreds of satellites are being launched today.

Another employee from Bengaluru, working as Chief Engineering Manager, explained about rigorous design and engineering control processes. She highlighted that at every stage of implementation, her team evaluates advantages and disadvantages, identifies solutions, and explores options to ensure flawless implementation.

The MAHSR project is approximately 508 kilometers long, with 352 kilometers in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 kilometers in Maharashtra. This corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai, representing a transformative step in India’s transportation infrastructure.

The statement said that built with advanced engineering techniques conforming to international standards, approximately 85% of the route (465 kilometers) is on viaduct, ensuring minimal land disruption and enhanced safety. So far, 326 kilometers of viaduct work has been completed and 17 out of 25 river bridges have been constructed.

Upon completion, the bullet train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately two hours, revolutionizing inter-city travel by making it faster, easier, and more comfortable.

The project is expected to boost business, tourism, and economic activities along the entire corridor and accelerate regional development.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, popularly known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, is an under-construction high-speed rail line in India. It is being developed with technical and financial assistance from Japan, utilizing their Shinkansen technology. Once completed, it will significantly reduce travel time between the two major cities from over 7 hours to approximately 2 hours.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR)

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) is an under-construction bullet train project in India, which will be the country’s first high-speed rail line. It is being developed with technical and financial assistance from Japan, utilizing their Shinkansen technology. The project aims to significantly reduce travel time between the two major cities to approximately two hours upon its targeted completion.

Surat

Surat is a historic port city in Gujarat, India, which rose to prominence in the 16th and 17th centuries as a major hub for trade and commerce with the Middle East and Europe. Known as the gateway to Mecca, it was a vital center for the Mughal Empire and was later the site of the first English trading post in India. Today, it remains a bustling economic center, famous for its diamond cutting and polishing industry.

Noise Barrier Factory

A Noise Barrier Factory is an industrial facility specializing in the production of sound-absorbing walls, which became increasingly important with the expansion of highways and railways in the 20th century. These factories manufacture barriers using materials like concrete, metal, and composites to mitigate traffic noise pollution for nearby communities. Their development reflects a growing societal focus on environmental noise control and urban planning.

Navsari

Navsari is a city in Gujarat, India, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It is a significant center for the Zoroastrian Parsi community, who have lived there since their ancestors arrived from Persia in the 10th century. The city is known for its historical fire temple, the Iranshah Atash Behram, and its traditional Parsi agiaries.

Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, home to one of the world’s first ports at Lothal. It has been a historical center for trade and commerce and is renowned as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The state’s cultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant festivals, unique handicrafts, and significant Jain pilgrimage sites.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka in India, is a major technology hub often called the “Silicon Valley of India.” Historically, it was founded in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I and later became an important British colonial garrison. The city is known for its pleasant climate, modern tech parks, and historic landmarks like the Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.

Sabarmati

The Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, India, was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba for about twelve years. It served as a pivotal center for the Indian freedom struggle and was the starting point of the iconic 1930 Salt March, a major non-violent protest against British rule. Today, the ashram functions as a museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life and principles.