There is finally some good news for those looking forward to India’s first bullet train. In a new development, the Union Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) has approved the acquisition of 236.85 acres of forest land in Maharashtra for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
After the change in government, the bullet train project in Maharashtra is expected to pick up speed and momentum. With this new approval from the MoEF and CC, Maharashtra’s total land possession now stands at approximately 686.95 acres, representing approximately 64% of the total acquisition planned.
Approval of forest land for MAHSR project
An NHSRCL official said, “The final approval of diversion of forest land for MAHSR project in Maharashtra state (under Forest Conservation Act 1980) has been granted by MoEF &CC.” Another official said, “The actual possession of this forest land will come into our hand after the state government issues the notification.”
The total amount of land required in Maharashtra for the bullet train project is 1071.99 acres. This project had slowed in the last two years due to various differences between the Union and State governments.
However, following the change in state government, the project is back on track, as the NHSRCL invited bids on July 22 for the design and construction of the BKC terminus. The Bandra Kurla Complex will be the corridor’s sole underground station between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
