By Arosh John | Thane Real Estate Expert | Founder – John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) | Editor-in-Chief – Thane Real Estate News
Introduction
India’s first high-speed rail corridor—the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train (MAHSR)—is under construction. Stretching 508.17 km and designed for speeds of 320 km/h, the project aims to reduce Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time to just 2–2.5 hours.
While much attention is on Mumbai and Gujarat, Thane district is a critical node, hosting one of Maharashtra’s four stations at Datiwali–Diva (Mumbra–Diva zone). Importantly, this is not central Thane city, but a peripheral location ~8–10 km from hubs like Majiwada and Naupada.
Key Facts & Scope
- Stations (12 total): Mumbai (BKC, underground), Thane (Datiwali–Diva), Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, Sabarmati.
- Maharashtra stretch: 155.76 km → 7.04 km in Mumbai, 39.66 km in Thane district, 109.06 km in Palghar district (NHSRCL operational plan).
- Train operations: Initially 10-coach rakes (750 seats), later 16-coach (1,250 seats). Planned 35 trains/day/direction, with peak frequency every 20 minutes (future target ~8 minutes).
- Funding & EPC: Backed by JICA loans; major track package (156 route km) awarded to L&T in September 2025.
- Cost: Estimated at ₹1.08 lakh crore (with 80% JICA funding).
Engineering & Progress (as of Sept–Oct 2025)
- Viaducts & piers: 320 km of viaduct complete, 375 km of piers, 394 km of pier foundations.
- River bridges: Multiple completed in Gujarat, including across the Sabarmati and Mahi.
- Tunnels:
- BKC–Thane tunnel: 21 km stretch, including 7 km under Thane Creek—India’s first subsea twin-track rail tunnel.
- A breakthrough of 4.88 km in the Shilphata–Ghansoli section was achieved in mid-2025.
- Noise barriers: Over 3.77 lakh panels installed across 188 km to mitigate urban noise.
- Civil works in Gujarat: Advanced progress, including rapid bridge completions such as the Girdharnagar flyover in 12 days.
Station Design & Thane’s Role
- Thane Station (Datiwali–Diva): Elevated design, with a roof inspired by the nearby Ulhas River. The motif is symbolic of the river’s presence in the region rather than a precise geographic marker.
- Mumbai BKC Terminal: The only underground station on the route, excavated 32 m deep, with six 415-m platforms. It will be directly linked to Metro Line-3 (Aqua) and Metro Line-2B, creating Mumbai’s first integrated intercity–intracity hub.
Timelines
- Gujarat section (Vapi–Sabarmati): Expected to be operational by December 2027.
- Entire corridor (Mumbai–Ahmedabad): Revised target set for 2029, as confirmed by government and ministerial statements.
- Critical path: The Maharashtra stretch—particularly the tunnel and BKC station fit-outs—remains the biggest challenge.
Why It Matters
- For India: The bullet train is a landmark in India’s infrastructure journey, placing the country alongside Japan, France, and China in adopting high-speed rail.
- For Thane: The station’s peripheral location means the district gains visibility as a high-speed node, but actual real estate uplift will depend on last-mile connectivity, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policies, and integration with metro and road projects.
FAQ
Q1: When will the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train start?
The Gujarat section (Vapi–Sabarmati) is expected by December 2027, while the full Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor is targeted for 2029.
Q2: Where is the Thane bullet train station located?
The Thane station is at Datiwali–Diva (Mumbra–Diva zone), about 8–10 km from central Thane city areas like Majiwada and Naupada.
Q3: How fast will the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train be?
The corridor is designed for speeds up to 320 km/h, cutting travel time between the two cities to about 2–2.5 hours.
Q4: What is the cost of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project?
The project cost is estimated at ₹1.08 lakh crore, with about 80% funding through JICA loans.
Q5: How many stations will the bullet train have?
The corridor will have 12 stations, including Mumbai (BKC), Thane (Datiwali–Diva), Virar, Boisar, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.
About the Author
Arosh John is a leading Thane real estate consultant and recognized market expert with over a decade of experience. He is the Founder of John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835), specializing in luxury villas, resale transactions, and NRI property advisory across Thane and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As Editor-in-Chief of Thane Real Estate News, Arosh has established himself as the voice of Thane real estate, publishing fact-checked, research-backed insights on infrastructure, property trends, and investment opportunities. His expertise in micro-markets, infrastructure projects such as the bullet train, metro lines, and highways, as well as growth corridors including the Thane–Nashik Highway, TDLR belt, Karjat, Lonavala, and Mulshi, makes him a trusted authority for homebuyers and investors seeking reliable guidance in one of India’s most dynamic property markets.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information from NHSRCL, JICA, and the Government of India (PIB) as of October 2025. While care has been taken to ensure factual accuracy, infrastructure timelines and policies are subject to change by authorities. Any references to property values, appreciation potential, or investment prospects represent the author’s professional opinion as a licensed real estate consultant and should not be construed as financial advice. Readers are advised to verify project details with official government notifications and seek independent professional consultation before making property purchase or investment decisions.
