Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction Surat Bullet Train Station, highlighting India’s progress in high-speed rail infrastructure amid the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed ​​Rail (MAHSR) corridor. The visit reflects the Government’s commitment to transformative projects that promote economic connectivity between major urban centers in Western India.

Modi arrived at Surat International Airport in the morning and took a helicopter to Antroli village, the site of a station inspired by the city’s diamond-cutting heritage – with multidimensional designs for grandeur and efficiency. The structural work of the 26.3 meter tall structure, spread over 58,352 square metres, has been completed, and construction of its interiors and facilities is underway. Track-bed construction and temporary rail line work has also been completed, which will seamlessly integrate with Surat Metro, buses and Indian Railways.

The 508-km-long MAHSR, a major Japan-backed project (81% funded by JICA at ₹1.08 lakh crore), will reduce the Mumbai-Ahmedabad journey from seven hours to two hours. It will connect 12 stations: Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai. Of this, 352 km passes through Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 km passes through Maharashtra.

A look at the important milestones of the project

Aspect Condition description

– Elevated Viaduct – 85% (465 km) under construction; 326 kilometers completed
– River bridges – 17 out of 25 completed
– Advanced section – 47 km long Surat-Bilimora: Civil work and tracks completely ready.
– Overall Progress – Civil Work 70%+; Target of full operation 2028

Modi interacted with officials of the National High-Speed ​​Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) and stressed on expediting the timeline. This corridor promises to boost trade, tourism and employment in line with the vision of a developed India.

Later, Modi left for Narmada district for Tribal Pride Day, where he inaugurated projects worth ₹9,700 crore in honor of tribal leader Birsa Munda. The Gujarat milestone confirms Modi’s focus on self-reliant infrastructure, helping India carve out its place among global high-speed rail leaders like Japan and China.

As the project nears completion, Modi’s review signals momentum towards a hyper-connected future.