Ahmedabad: Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project will be inaugurated in 2027, adding that nearly 80% of work on the high-speed rail corridor has been completed.The first section connects Surat and Bilimora.Vaishnaw was in Ahmedabad on Saturday for the commencement of the commercial production event at CG Semi’s OSAT facility in Sanand. Reviewing railway infrastructure projects in the city, he said that the Vapi-Surat section would be inaugurated next, followed by the Ahmedabad-Thane section and then the Ahmedabad-Mumbai stretch.During a separate review with public representatives and delegations at Ahmedabad airport, the minister said five priority works were finalised to ease urban mobility and strengthen rail access. Officials were directed to complete the Omnagar underpass before Navratri.Railway officials said that the minister was given the details of the comprehensive redevelopment plan prepared to modernise Asarwa station and its terminal while preserving the historical and cultural character of the area. The master plan includes an integrated upgrade of a station building, improved passenger amenities, and redevelopment of the surrounding railway precinct, including the DRM office, to create a more organised and efficient terminal.As part of Ahmedabad Railway Station’s ongoing redevelopment, authorities also agreed to develop a second entry gate with road connectivity from the Sarangpur side to ease access, improve passenger movement, and support planned growth around the station. Progress on the Shahpur-Ahmedabad flyover will be advanced through coordinated action on Indian archaeology and national monuments protection requirements, with the project set to move ahead after all statutory permissions are secured following discussions at the central level.Separately, to strengthen access to Sabarmati Railway Station, a joint action plan will be prepared for the extension and overall development of the station road, improving commuting conditions for passengers and residents.
