Mumbai: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday reviewed the construction of India's first undersea tunnel, part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, commonly known as the bullet train project.

During his visit to Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, Vaishnaw expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasising the transformative potential of the multi-billion-dollar initiative.

The 21-kilometre undersea tunnel, including a seven-kilometre stretch under Thane Creek, will connect Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station to Shilphata.

Trains in the tunnel will operate at speeds of 250 km/h, faster than Kolkata Metro's under-river tunnels.

Vaishnaw assured that the design prioritises safety, environmental conservation, and efficient ventilation and lighting.

“The construction of 340 kilometres of the corridor is progressing well,” he noted, adding that bridge and station infrastructure work is advancing steadily.

The BKC station will be an architectural marvel with 10 underground floors and seven above-ground levels.

Spanning 508 kilometres and featuring 12 stations across Maharashtra and Gujarat, the bullet train will significantly reduce travel time, enhance commuter productivity, and spur urban development along the corridor.

Vaishnaw described the project as an economic integration initiative, set to elevate India's infrastructure and promote growth.

He praised the contributions of Indian engineers, calling the project a national pride.

Estimated at Rs 1.08 lakh crore and powered by Japanese railway technology, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is expected to be completed soon, boosting the economies of cities along the route, particularly Mumbai and Ahmedabad.