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The semi-high-speed rail corridor on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route is nearing completion, with approximately 95% of the work already finished, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of India’s railway infrastructure. Once operational, this upgraded corridor will allow trains such as the Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h, substantially reducing travel time between the two major cities.
This corridor is the flagship project among Western Railway’s (WR) 92 priority initiatives, collectively valued at over ₹9,862 crore. At ₹8,095 crore, it stands as the most expensive and strategically important project within this portfolio, underscoring its critical role in enhancing connectivity and efficiency on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.
Western Railway officials have confirmed that essential upgrades—including the strengthening of rail tracks, installation of metal beam fencing, and augmentation of ballast cushioning—have been completed to the standards required for semi-high-speed train operations. The engineering work has been extensive, involving the reinforcement of more than 120 bridge approaches, rehabilitation of 138 bridges, and straightening of 134 track curves to ensure safety and allow higher speeds. In addition, safety barriers have been installed along 792 kilometers of the corridor to prevent trespassing by people and livestock.
Further enhancements are underway to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. The ballast level is being increased from 300 mm to 350 mm to improve cushioning and stability. Steel sleepers supporting the tracks and foot overbridges are also being upgraded. Additionally, the power supply infrastructure is being strengthened by installing dual 25,000-volt lines (2×25,000 volts), a project estimated to cost around ₹60 crore. This power augmentation is crucial for supporting the higher speeds and operational reliability required by semi-high-speed trains. Rail authorities are also preparing the corridor for the installation of Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system, to further bolster safety.
The completion of these upgrades is expected by December this year, according to WR officials. Once operational, trains will be able to cut the current Mumbai-Ahmedabad journey time by 45 to 60 minutes. Currently, the trip takes approximately five and a half hours. This corridor will be one of the first in the Mumbai region to facilitate Vande Bharat trains running as semi-high-speed services, a major step forward in rail travel comfort and efficiency.
Currently, the maximum permissible speeds on this route vary: long-distance trains travel at around 100 km/h between Mumbai Central and Borivali, and 110 km/h between Borivali and Virar. The upgrades will not only raise speeds but also necessitate the revision of train timetables, allowing for more efficient scheduling of over 50 trains connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, including premium services like Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Shatabdi.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor forms part of larger modernization efforts across key national routes such as the 1,479-km Delhi-Mumbai and 1,525-km Delhi-Howrah sections. Nearly half of the Mumbai-Delhi rail route, spanning 1,379 km, falls under Western Railway’s jurisdiction, from Mumbai Central to Nagda. The remaining portions are managed by West Central Railways and Northern Railways, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to improve travel times on these critical corridors.
In parallel with the semi-high-speed rail corridor project, Western Railway is investing around ₹1,700 crore to enhance infrastructure and passenger amenities within the Mumbai suburban network. This includes developing new terminuses at Jogeshwari and Vasai, adding pit lines for train maintenance at Bandra Terminus and Mumbai Central Terminus, remodeling railway yards at Andheri, and upgrading signalling systems to improve operational efficiency and safety around Mumbai.
Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate Western Railway’s commitment to transforming rail travel in one of India’s busiest and most important transit corridors. With faster trains, improved infrastructure, and enhanced safety measures, passengers can expect a significant upgrade in their travel experience, contributing to the broader vision of modern, efficient, and sustainable rail transport in India.
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