First bullet train to run in India by 2023, says Railway minister Suresh Prabhu

First bullet train to run in India by 2023, says Railway minister Suresh Prabhu

NEW DELHI: Railway minister Suresh Prabhu has said the first bullet train will run in India in 2023, heralding a new era in train operations in the subcontinent. "In 2023, the first bullet train will run in India. We have already discussed the phases of bullet train project," Prabhu said.

• The bullet train is expected to cover 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in about two hours, running at a maximum speed of 350 kmph and operating speed of 320 kmph.
• "Work is going on as per the schedule," Prabhu said.
• Passengers will get the thrill of riding under the sea while travelling between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on the first bullet train of the country. The 508-kilometre-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor will have a 21-km tunnel under the sea.
• Estimated to cost about Rs 97,636 crore, 81 per cent of the funding for the project will come in the form of loan from Japan. The estimate includes possible cost escalation, interest during construction and import duties. It is a soft loan for 50 years at 0.1 per cent annual interest with a 15-year moratorium.

 Railway minister Suresh Prabhu said the work is going on as per the schedule

• Total cost of the project is Rs 97,636 crore; bulk of the funding to come from Japan

• The bullet train will run at a speed of 320 kmph and pass through an undersea tunnel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad

Source:TOI