Mumbai: Almost all the hurdles of the bullet train project, called PM Modi’s dream project, have been cleared in Maharashtra. The tender process for land acquisition, removal of mangrove forest and construction of underground terminus at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) has gained momentum. It is noteworthy that the underground terminus station of the bullet train will be built at BKC in Mumbai. MMRDA handed over about 5 hectares of land to NHSRCL in August itself for this. It has 1.52 hectare plot and 3.22 hectare underground land. 3,889.72 crore is yet to be received by MMRDA in lieu thereof.
According to a senior official of the authority, some MMRDA plots in its vicinity will not be developed due to the construction of the underground station of the bullet train in BKC. MMRDA will also have to bear the loss. Due to delay in acquisition etc. the price of BKC plots has also gone up.
Government of Maharashtra is also a partner in this project
The Maharashtra government is also a partner in the bullet train project. MMRDA has sought Rs 3,889.72 crore from NHSRCL, excluding the state government’s share of Rs 5,000 crore. It has been informed that a decision will be taken in the railway board meeting itself. The state government has also moved the Godrej High Court seeking higher compensation after removing the bullet train barriers.
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Incremental project costs
The bullet train project, which started in 2017, was supposed to be completed by 2023, but due to various reasons, its deadline is now 2027. According to NHSRCL officials, initially the cost of the project was Rs 1.10 lakh crore, but now the cost is increasing with delays. By the time it is ready, the cost may go up to Rs 1.65 lakh crore. The train will run elevated in Gujarat, while in Maharashtra it will run elevated and underground. If it is delayed, the cost will increase.
Work is progressing rapidly in Gujarat
Of the 508.17 km project, 384.04 km is in Gujarat, 155.76 km is in Maharashtra and 4.3 km is in Dadra Nagar Haveli. Bullet train project work is progressing rapidly in Gujarat. Elevated work has started with almost 100% land acquisition. A bridge is being built over the river. Even track laying has started. The bullet train will have 12 stations, out of which 8 will be built in Gujarat, 4 in Maharashtra.