Engineers shared their on ground experiences.
PM Modi Urges Engineers to Create Blue Book to Guide Future Bullet Train Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Surat on Saturday to review India’s first high-speed “Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project”. During the visit, he urged engineers and project workers to document their experiences in a comprehensive Blue Book. He emphasised that such insights would become a guide for future high-speed rail initiatives across India. He noted that recording lessons learnt would help “avoid repeated experimentation” and ensure that future corridors replicate proven solutions with purpose and precision.
During the interaction, Modi highlighted the motivation derived from contributing to nation-building, drawing parallels with India’s early space missions. When the feeling arises of working for the nation and contributing something new, it becomes a source of immense motivation, he said, recalling how pioneering scientists laid the foundation for India’s satellite programmes.
Engineers shared their on-ground experiences. An engineer from Kerala, working at the “Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari”, described her role in welding rebar cages using robotic systems, calling the project a dream project and a proud moment for her family. Shruti, a lead engineering manager from Bengaluru, detailed the “rigorous design and engineering-control processes”, explaining how her team evaluates alternatives at each stage to ensure flawless execution. Modi noted that these stories reflect the dedication and innovation driving the project.
The “508-km corridor”—spanning 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra—connects Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, Thane, and Mumbai. About 85% of the route is constructed on elevated viaducts to minimise land disruption, enhance safety, and maintain speed targets. The PMO reports that 326 km of viaduct work and 17 out of 25 planned river bridges have been completed. Once operational, the bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to around “two hours”, significantly improving inter-city connectivity.
Beyond transportation, the project is expected to “stimulate economic growth”, boost tourism, and create jobs along the corridor. Modi stressed that the Blue Book could also benefit “students, researchers, and future engineers”, ensuring that knowledge gained from this pioneering project informs India’s broader infrastructure development.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit, witnessing the progress and interacting with engineers who are shaping India’s first bullet train.
