H.E. Mr. Keiichi Ono, Japan’s Ambassador-designate, along with JICA India Chief and NHSRCL MD, Shri Vivek Kumar Gupta, inspected the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project in Gujarat. With station designs reflecting local culture and advanced amenities, the project is rapidly advancing towards completion.
Gujarat’s Eight Bullet Train Stations: A Blend of Modernity and Culture:
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project includes eight stations in Gujarat: Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, and Vapi. All stations reflect the unique spirit of their respective cities, blending modern architectural concepts with local cultural elements.
Key progress updates:
- Sabarmati Station: Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s charkha, the terminal station is advancing with completed first-floor slab casting and ongoing concourse floor work.
- Ahmedabad Station: Highlighting kites and intricate jaali work, this station has completed concourse, rail, and platform slabs, with entry building work underway.
- Anand Station: Designed to reflect milk droplets, the station has completed its roof structure and is progressing with façade work.
- Vadodara Station: With a design inspired by banyan trees, three of ten slabs are completed, and first-floor slab casting is in progress.
- Bharuch Station: Honoring the art of cotton weaving, platform slab casting and steel structure erection are ongoing.
- Surat Station: Representing diamond facets, the station has completed structural works with finishing touches and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) installations underway.
- Bilimora Station: Featuring mango orchard motifs, steel erection work is nearing completion.
- Vapi Station: Reflecting speed, rail and platform slabs are done, with electrical work progressing.
International Standards and Inclusive Design:
The stations meet global standards for functionality and operations. Each station features basic amenities such as business lounges, public announcement systems, and integration with other transport modes. Designs also prioritise inclusivity with wheelchair-friendly layouts, braille buttons, and tactile guidance systems.
Cultural and Architectural Vision:
Every station reflects its city’s ethos through design. From Surat’s diamond industry to Anand’s milk heritage and Vadodara’s banyan trees, the project promotes local pride and cultural identity while introducing India to advanced high-speed rail technology.
Conclusion:
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, with its innovative station designs and inclusive amenities, is set to redefine rail travel in India. With rapid construction progress in Gujarat and international collaboration at its core, the project symbolises a transformative leap in modern infrastructure.
Source: NHSRCL – Press Release | Images Credit: NHSRCL
