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Surat-Bilimora section of bullet train will be operational in 2027: Railway Minister


New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said on Saturday that the first operational section of the bullet train project, between Surat and Bilimora, will be operational in 2027. He reviewed the high-speed rail project in Surat and expressed satisfaction with the project's progress.

Vaishnav told the media that work is progressing rapidly between Surat and Bilimora. Civil work at the station has been completed, and finishing and utility work is currently underway. Several new technologies have been used in the track work, which are being adopted for the first time in any other project in the country. He said that these technologies used in the bullet train project will prove beneficial for other railway projects in the future.

He said that the first turnout has been successfully installed at Surat station. Turnouts are important junctions on the railway track. This facility will facilitate the operation of high-speed trains. When trains run at speeds of 320 to 340 kilometers per hour and the tracks connect, there should be no gaps. This technology has been successfully adopted in this project.

He explained that the tracks are also equipped with roller bearings, which will ensure safer and smoother operation of the bullet train at high speeds. Additionally, the sleepers on the tracks are made of composite materials instead of concrete. This will ensure higher durability, lower maintenance, and better performance at high speeds. To further improve passenger comfort and reduce ambient noise, a vibration absorption system in the form of dampers has been introduced. These dampers will absorb noise and shock. The Union Minister explained that this project will enable us to travel from Surat to Mumbai in one hour. Station redevelopment and track laying work are ongoing. The high-speed rail project will ultimately transform connectivity and boost economic activity. The entire section between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will become an economic corridor. This project will also set new standards in railway technology and passenger experience.

Highlighting the features of Surat station, the Railway Minister stated that all bullet trains will stop there. The station has two platforms with two side tracks and two central tracks—one headed towards Mumbai and the other towards Ahmedabad. A large concrete hall has been constructed in the center of the station, ensuring passenger convenience and ease of movement.

The Railway Minister stated that the Surat-Bilimora section of the project will be operational first, marking a significant step towards high-speed rail in India

The Surat Bullet Train Station is set to set a new standard in modern passenger amenities and connectivity. This station, being built under the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed ​​Rail Project, will connect Surat to the country's most advanced transportation infrastructure. The station has been designed with passenger convenience and comfort in mind, featuring soothing interiors, skylights for natural light, and airy platforms. Passenger amenities will include a waiting lounge, nursery, toilets, retail outlets, and a clean concrete-level ticketing counter. Special facilities will also be provided for the elderly, the disabled, and families traveling with children. Clear signage, information kiosks, and a public address system are being installed to guide passengers.

According to the Railways, special steps have also been taken to connect the station with multi-modal connectivity. Under the multi-modal integration plan, developed in collaboration with the Surat Municipal Corporation and the Surat Urban Development Authority, passengers will be able to easily switch between metro, buses, taxis, autos, and other local transportation. This will ease traffic flow around the station premises and save travel time. Located in Antaroli village near the Surat-Bardoli Road, the station will also be well connected to the BRTS bus stop, the proposed metro station, the Surat railway station, the city bus stand, and the Chalthan railway station.

Keeping environmental protection and sustainable development in mind, the station is being developed in accordance with Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) standards. These include rainwater harvesting, low-flow sanitary fittings, eco-friendly paint, natural lighting, and special ventilation arrangements. The station's exterior and interior design is inspired by Surat's signature diamond, presenting a fusion of the city's cultural heritage and modernity.

The station's total built-up area is 58,352 square meters and its height will be 26.3 meters. The building is being developed on three levels. The ground level will include parking, pickup and drop-off facilities, security checkpoints, elevators, and escalators. The concrete level will house passenger lounges, ticketing, restrooms, and kiosks, while the platform level is being upgraded to state-of-the-art standards.

Regarding the project's progress, as of September 25th, significant work has been completed on the 508-km bullet train corridor. This includes 323 km of viaducts and 399 km of piers. 17 river bridges, 5 PSCs, and 9 steel bridges have been completed. Over 400,000 noise barriers have been installed along the 210-km stretch. Construction of 210 track km of track bed has been completed and over 2100 OHE masts have been installed on 52 km of main line viaducts. Excavation of seven tunnels is underway in Palghar district.

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