PM Modi reviews under-construction bullet train station in Surat; high-speed corridor marks major push for faster travel and regional growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, November 15, reviewed construction at the under-construction bullet train station in Surat, taking stock of the progress made on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR). He landed in Surat in the morning and travelled to the Antroli area, where the station is being built, before interacting with project officials and inspecting on-ground work.

The visit comes as the MAHSR project, one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings, makes steady progress across its 508-km stretch. Of the total length, 352 km falls in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, while 156 km covers Maharashtra.

Corridor-Progress: What stage is the high-speed rail project at now?

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

The bullet train network is designed with engineering standards on par with international high-speed rail systems. Around 85 per cent of the route - roughly 465 km is elevated on viaducts to minimise land disturbance and enhance safety.

So far, about 326 km of viaduct work has been completed, and work on 17 out of 25 river bridges has been finished. The Surat–Bilimora stretch, covering around 47 km, is in an advanced stage, with civil works and track-bed laying completed.

Officials said the corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, dramatically reshaping inter-city mobility across western India.

What will the bullet train change for travellers?

Once operational, the bullet train is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to nearly two hours. The route aims to make inter-city movement faster, smoother and significantly more comfortable, with modern stations, advanced rail technology and seamless passenger facilities.

The project is also expected to drive regional growth by boosting business, trade, tourism and investment along the entire corridor. Officials say the improved connectivity will help major industrial clusters and emerging logistics hubs gain faster access to ports, airports and markets.

Surat station design inspired by the city’s diamond legacy

The design of the Surat bullet train station draws inspiration from the city’s global reputation in the diamond industry. The structure blends functionality with elegance, featuring spacious waiting areas, upgraded restrooms and retail spaces to enhance the passenger experience.

The station will be integrated with the Surat Metro, city bus services and the Indian Railways network, offering multi-modal connectivity for commuters.

PM’s visit to Narmada district and tribute to Birsa Munda

Later in the day, PM Modi travelled to Dediapada in the tribal-dominated Narmada district, where he addressed a gathering marking the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. The Centre is observing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to honour the role of tribal leaders in India’s history.

Before the public event, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Pandori Mata temple in Devmogra village, 23 km from Dediapada. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development works worth more than Rs 9,700 crore.

In his tribute, PM Modi recalled Birsa Munda’s contribution to the freedom struggle and extended greetings on Jharkhand Statehood Day, which coincides with the tribal leader’s birth anniversary.