India’s first bullet train project, connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, has taken another major step forward. A consortium of companies has been awarded a contract worth ₹4,100 crore to install a modern signalling and telecommunication system for the high-speed rail line. The contract has been given by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the agency in charge of building the bullet train. The winning consortium includes Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt Ltd, Siemens Limited, and Siemens Mobility GmbH.
Siemens Limited’s share of the contract is ₹1,230 crore. The company will handle the design, setup, and long-term upkeep of the advanced system, which is based on the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. This signalling system is already used in more than 50 countries and helps improve train safety and communication. The work is expected to be completed in about four and a half years, with Siemens providing maintenance services for 15 years to ensure reliable performance.
Sunil Mathur, CEO of Siemens Limited, said, “We are proud to be part of this important project. It shows our support for the Make in India initiative and our commitment to sustainable and modern transport.” In another development, the first rail-level slab casting has been completed for the Boisar Bullet Train Station. This involved using over 1,000 cubic metres of concrete. The upcoming station will be 425 metres long and spread across 17,000 square metres. It will have two levels and modern facilities. Its design takes inspiration from local fishing nets and aims to boost connectivity to nearby industrial and tourist areas.
The bullet train project, once complete, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and provide a world-class travel experience.