Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project: What Railways said on revised cost estimate

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project: The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is progressing at full swing on the country’s first bullet train project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The 508-km-long high speed rail project is under execution with technical and financial assistance from Government of Japan.

The project is passing through Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project cost escalation

In a report published by the Standing Committee on Railways, (Demands for Grants 2026-27), the Ministry of Railways stated that the cost escalation in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is due to detailed engineering requirements, exchange rate fluctuations, land, resettlement & Rehabilitation cost, normal inflation and expenses not considered in the initial feasibility report.

It also stated that construction was initially planned to be partly on viaduct and mostly on embankment. However, in 2016, the Empowered Committee decided to construct entirely on viaduct, as embankments would have led to higher land acquisition costs, divided villages, would result in lesser safety because people are likely to trespass and would affect drainage.

“The cost of Rs 97,636 crore, approved by CCEA in December, 2015, was based on the feasibility report. Detailed engineering review was to be done subsequent to the approval of the feasibility report.

The cost escalation is thus due to the detailed engineering, fluctuation in exchange rate, land, resettlement & Rehabilitation cost, normal inflation, costs which were not considered in the feasibility report (like utility shifting, power sourcing, station approach development, ticketing, Statutory charges etc.) including GST and cess and certain other enabling cost to make the corridor operational,” it said.

It further said that the revised cost estimate for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project is under sanction.

Bullet Train Project – Major Cost Escalation FactorsSource: Standing Committee on Railways · Demands for Grants 2026–27

| Cost Component | Amount (₹ crore)

1 | Taxes & Cess HIGHEST | 29,330

2 | Land, Resettlement & Rehabilitation (Urban land rates) | 16,695

3 | Indigenous Rolling Stock & ETCS Signalling System | 16,500

4 | Escalation due to Inflation & Price Rise (since 2015) | 19,084

5 | Utility Shifting | 2,625

6 | Station Approach Development | 2,195

7 | Power Sourcing Arrangement | 1,250

8 | Statutory Charges (Forest Clearances etc.) | 400

9 | Ticketing | 283

In its report, the Standing Committee on Railways recommended that the Ministry adopt a robust execution framework to ensure effective inter-agency coordination, early identification and resolution of bottlenecks, and timely completion of utility shifting works. “Such measures are essential to prevent time and cost overruns and to secure timely delivery of projects,” it said.

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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