DPR submitted for 742-km Mumbai-Nagpur High Speed Bullet Train Project

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, the Nagpur-Mumbai High-Speed Bullet Train project, which proposes an elevated rail line running parallel to the Samruddhi Highway, has reached a crucial milestone. The project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) has recently been submitted to the Railway Board, marking a pivotal step towards its realization. Here are the key features of the Nagpur-Mumbai Bullet Train Project as per the DPR:

Total Length: Covering a substantial distance of 742 kilometers, this high-speed rail endeavor aims to transform intercity connectivity.

Land Acquisition: With its alignment alongside the Samriddhi Highway, the project boasts a reduced land acquisition requirement of just 1250 hectares, streamlining the planning process.

District Coverage: The bullet train route is set to cut through 10 districts in Maharashtra, benefiting an additional 13 districts indirectly. A total of 15 stations are proposed along this route, with major stops including Mumbai, Thane, Shahpur, Ghoti, Nashik, Shirdi, Aurangabad, Jalna, Mehkar, Malegaon, Karanja Lad, Pulgaon, Wardha, Khapri, and Ajni.

Travel Time: Current journeys between Nagpur and Mumbai can take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours by conventional train. Upon project completion, this travel time will be significantly slashed to just three and a half hours. The bullet train is anticipated to operate at speeds of up to 320 km per hour, with an actual operating speed of 250 km per hour.

Project Cost: The ambitious project comes with an estimated cost of Rs 1.48 lakh crore (Rs 200 crore per kilometer), resulting in a total budget ranging from one to one and a half lakh crore rupees.

Project Timeline: The groundwork for this project commenced in 2019, with an Air Leader Survey conducted in March 2021. The meticulous preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) began in November 2021. Subsequently, the DPR was diligently completed and officially submitted by the Railway Board in March 2022. The Railway Board will now embark on an in-depth study of the report before forwarding it to the Central Government for further action.

Development Implications: Upon successful implementation, the Nagpur-Mumbai High-Speed Bullet Train project promises to be a catalyst for the development of not only Nagpur and Mumbai but also 11 districts within the state of Maharashtra, significantly boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.

Currently, the journey between Nagpur and Mumbai by conventional train can take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours. However, with the completion of this high-speed bullet train project, travelers can expect a remarkable reduction in travel time. The train is expected to operate at a staggering speed of 320 kilometers per hour, resulting in an actual operating speed of 250 kilometers per hour. This means that the journey that once took hours will now be completed in just three and a half hours, making it a highly efficient mode of transportation.

Beyond its transportation benefits, the Mumbai-Nagpur high-speed bullet train project is expected to catalyze development across 11 districts in Maharashtra. By improving connectivity, reducing travel times, and enhancing accessibility to key regions, this project has the potential to unlock new economic opportunities and drive progress in the state.

The Mumbai-Nagpur High Speed Rail project is poised to reshape the landscape of intercity travel and regional development in Maharashtra, heralding a new era of rapid and efficient transportation between two major urban centers. Stay tuned for further updates as this transformative project progresses towards realization.