First look of India’s bullet train unveiled: Check here

First Look of India's Bullet Train Unveiled: The first look of India's proposed bullet train has been unveiled on Monday, May 18. A picture of the train has been displayed at gate no. 4 of the Rail Bhavan, headquarters of Indian Railways, in New Delhi.

The image shows the design of the upcoming bullet train project, which is expected to transform rail connectivity and play a key role in modernising transportation infrastructure in the country.

Major Milestone for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

According to the National High Speed ​​Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), India's largest cutterhead for a rail tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been lowered at Vikhroli in Mumbai for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. This marks a significant milestone in the construction of the country's first undersea tunnel.

The cutterhead, measuring 13.6 meters in diameter and weighing approximately 350 tons, is the final stage of the primary assembly of the TBM's main shield. NHSRCL said the machine will be used to excavate a section of the underground tunnel for the high-speed rail corridor.

Also Read: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Bengaluru–Mumbai express, hints at Vande Bharat sleeper service

"Two TBMs, each weighing over 3,000 tonnes, are currently being assembled to construct a 16 km portion of the 21 km Mumbai tunnel," the release said. "This includes a 7 km stretch under Thane Creek, which will serve as India’s first undersea rail tunnel. These machines are the largest ever deployed for rail tunnel construction in the country," it added.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Shares Update

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also shared the development on X, stating, "Railway's biggest TBM cutter head lowered at Vikhroli, Mumbai."

According to the release, the 13.6-metre diameter cutterhead has been designed to excavate a single large tunnel that can accommodate both the up and down lines of the bullet train corridor.

Also Read: Good news for Delhi-NCR passengers: DMRC to run 24 extra Metro trips every Monday

"Its 350-tonne weight is equivalent to approximately 250 passenger cars (midsize SUVs)," the release stated.

Indian Railways Approves Major Projects for West Bengal

On a separate note, Indian Railways has approved three major railway projects for West Bengal. The approvals include a new train service between Kolkata and Jaipur, doubling of an important railway line near Siliguri and a survey for a third railway line project aimed at increasing rail capacity.

The approvals were communicated by Ashwini Vaishnaw to Suvendu Adhikari, according to official letters. The projects are expected to improve passenger movement, strengthen railway infrastructure and reduce congestion on key routes in North Bengal and other busy rail corridors.

New Kolkata–Jaipur Train Service Cleared

One of the biggest announcements is approval for the operation of the new 18061/18062 Santragachi–Khatipura Express. The train will run between Kolkata (Santragachi) and Jaipur (Khatipura) via Kharagpur.

They have also approved doubling of the New Jalpaiguri–Siliguri railway line covering around 7.15 km. The route is considered one of the most important rail corridors in North Bengal because it handles heavy passenger and freight traffic, including trains heading towards the North-East.