PM Modi Reviews Bullet Train Work in Surat

• PM Modi visits under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat to review MAHSR progress.
• Interacts with engineers, highlights motivation behind nation-building projects.
• Stresses need for a “Blue Book” to record learnings for future bullet train rollouts.
• Surat–Bilimora stretch nears completion; viaduct and bridge works at advanced stage.

GG News Bureau
Surat, 16th Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, Gujarat, where he reviewed the progress of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), India’s first bullet train project. During the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with engineers, technicians and project staff, assessing adherence to speed, targets and timelines. Workers assured him of smooth, uninterrupted progress on the ambitious corridor.

An engineer from Kerala shared her experience of working at the Navsari Noise Barrier Factory, where robotic units are being used for welding rebar cages. She described her role in India’s first bullet train as a “dream project” and a moment of pride for her family. The Prime Minister asked her how she personally viewed this historic assignment and what she conveyed to her family about contributing to a national milestone.

Emphasising the spirit of national service, the Prime Minister said that when one feels they are working for the country and contributing something new, it becomes a powerful source of motivation. He recalled the emotions of scientists who worked on India’s first satellite and noted how the nation now launches hundreds of satellites.

Shruti, an engineering manager from Bengaluru, explained the detailed design and engineering control processes followed at every stage. She said her team diligently evaluates alternatives, identifies solutions and ensures flawless execution on the ground.

The Prime Minister remarked that the experiences gained during the execution of India’s first bullet train should be documented like a “Blue Book” to help India scale high-speed rail without repeated experimentation. He noted that replication of models must be backed by clear understanding, otherwise efforts risk losing direction. Such documentation, he said, would help future students and support nation-building. “We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country,” he added.

An employee expressed his sentiments through a poem, to which the Prime Minister responded with appreciation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.

The MAHSR project, spanning around 508 km across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, is one of India’s most transformative transport initiatives. Built using advanced engineering techniques, nearly 85 percent of the route will run on viaducts to ensure higher safety and minimal land impact. So far, 326 km of viaducts have been completed and 17 of the 25 river bridges are ready.

The Surat–Bilimora section, covering roughly 47 km, is in an advanced stage of completion, with civil works and track-bed laying finished. The Surat station’s design draws inspiration from the city’s global diamond industry and includes modern amenities such as spacious lounges, rest areas, retail spaces and seamless connectivity with the Surat Metro, city buses and Indian Railways.

Once operational, the bullet train will reduce Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time to about two hours, transforming business, tourism and economic activity along the corridor and marking a new era in India’s transport infrastructure.