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Surat, Nov 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conducted an in-depth review of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project during his visit to Gujarat. Locals hailed it as an important milestone in India’s efforts to pursue next-generation transportation infrastructure, suggesting it would contribute to development and progress in the region.
Arriving at Surat International Airport on Saturday morning, the Prime Minister left by helicopter for Antroli, where the under-construction Surat Bullet Train station – one of the major stations on the corridor – is taking shape.
During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected Surat Station – a structure inspired by the city’s globally renowned diamond industry.
Speaking to IANS, Kaushik Ramanujan, a textile businessman, said, “We feel that the bullet train will greatly benefit Gujarat, especially its diamond and textile industries. We will also get comparatively better connectivity to Mumbai. After the Prime Minister’s visit, it seems that we will soon be able to make full use of the bullet train project.”
This corridor will connect major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi, Thane and Mumbai and is expected to reduce the travel time between the two metros by about two hours, significantly enhancing inter-city mobility.
Hardik Patel, another businessman, told IANS, “When we talk about PM Modi’s vision, he had already transformed Gujarat during his tenure here. Today, people look at Gujarat as a model for India. With the Bullet Train, connectivity from Ahmedabad to Mumbai will become easier. People in Surat will benefit as it will facilitate transportation for the diamond industry and textile markets.”
Local people also appreciated the project and said that this project will not only benefit the traders but also the common people.
Speaking to IANS, a local said, “PM Modi’s visit is expected to benefit traders, residents and the general public in a big way. With his inspection, the project is likely to move forward rapidly and people will soon be able to avail its facilities.”
According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), more than 85 per cent of the corridor – about 465 km – is being built on elevated viaducts, of which 326 km has already been completed.
There is also substantial progress on river bridges, 17 out of 25 bridges have been constructed. The 47 km long Surat-Bilimora section is one of the most advanced stretches, where civil works and track-bed preparation have been completely completed.
The Prime Minister’s on-site review highlights the Centre’s emphasis on accelerating large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects. Once operational, the MAHSR corridor is expected to transform regional connectivity, accelerate economic growth and firmly position India among the countries with advanced high-speed rail networks.
–IANS
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