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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed that the inauguration of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is scheduled for next year, with the first operational segment expected to commence in 2027. This initiative aims to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately two hours and seven minutes, transforming the rail travel experience in India. The 508-kilometer bullet train project is being developed with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and incorporates Japan's advanced Shinkansen technology.

Vaishnaw emphasized that the bullet train project is progressing rapidly. The first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is set to be operational next year, with the inauguration also planned. He noted that the country now possesses the capability to construct bullet trains, prompting the Prime Minister to decide on creating a new corridor. This decision will enable travel between Mumbai and Pune (a distance of 170 kilometers) in just 48 minutes, effectively linking the two cities as twin cities and establishing a robust economic corridor and cultural hub.

Additionally, the travel time from Pune to Hyderabad, covering 500 kilometers, will be reduced to approximately two hours and eight minutes. This development will foster a strong economic ecosystem involving Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vapi, and Thane. Once operational, passengers will be able to complete their journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in just a few hours, a significant improvement over the longer durations required by road or conventional trains.

The new bullet train corridor will revolutionize the Mumbai-Pune route, cutting travel time to just 48 minutes. This enhancement is expected to solidify Mumbai and Pune as 'Twin Cities' and create a strong economic corridor that promotes development and cultural exchange. Vaishnaw mentioned that several projects have been initiated to double Pune's railway capacity. A master plan has been developed after thorough studies of the area, with significant progress already made and ongoing work at various stations, including Khadki, Pune, Ghorpadi, Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, Fursungi, and Alandi.

Vaishnaw stated that Pune city’s largest junction, which currently has six platforms, is being expanded to include twelve platforms, significantly increasing its capacity. Maintenance work previously conducted at Pune station is being relocated to Ghorpadi, Fursungi, and partially to Alandi, further enhancing capacity. A mega terminal is being constructed in Alandi, capable of handling 35 trains daily. Overall, the completion of this project in Pune is expected to take around three years, with most work anticipated to be finished within the next 1,000 days, effectively doubling Pune's capacity and allowing for the operation of 20 additional trains.