**Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Set to Launch by 2028**
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the ambitious USD 15 billion Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, developed in partnership with Japan, is expected to commence operations by 2028. During a recent event, Fadnavis highlighted the state’s plans to secure USD 50 billion from international investors for infrastructure development, with formal announcements anticipated within four months.
Fadnavis acknowledged that the bullet train project faced delays during a two-year period until 2022 but emphasized that construction is now progressing rapidly. He noted that while Gujarat has taken the lead in project development, Maharashtra is committed to enhancing its infrastructure to achieve a USD 1 trillion Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). He revealed that USD 30 billion was invested in infrastructure during his previous term as chief minister from 2014 to 2019, and further investments are being directed towards critical projects.
At the event focused on the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), Fadnavis shared that the Vadhavan port is projected to be operational within the next three to four years. This port, constructed on reclaimed land, aims to lower logistics costs and improve turnaround times compared to the nearby Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port. Additionally, the Vadhavan port will feature an airport built through land reclamation, similar to major global cities, and will include a stop for the bullet train.
Fadnavis also mentioned the construction of a highway connecting Nashik to Vadhavan port, which will link 17 districts to this modern port facility. Furthermore, the Shaktipeeth highway is being developed to connect Nagpur with Goa, targeting economic growth in underdeveloped regions.
The chief minister expressed confidence that Mumbai and Maharashtra will play a pivotal role in the success of the IMEEC, assuring that the state will foster a conducive environment for the project’s realization. Sanjeev Krishan, country chairperson of PwC, added that the corridor, when integrated with existing trade routes, will significantly enhance the global economy.
**FAQ**
**Q: When is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train expected to start operations?**
A: The bullet train is projected to be operational by 2028.
