Bullet train

“After finalizing the alignment in October 2017, we appointed consultant to decide the power requirement for the project. After a detailed study, we have finalized the locations of substations and how much power will be required at how many locations. We have also tied up with power distribution companies so that they can start work on the transmission lines,” NHSRCL manag- ing director Achal Khare said in an interview in November.

The official added that the consumption estimates are in line with what similar networks elsewhere consume.

According to NHSRCL, traction power requirements are assessed by electrical works contractors that carry out power system simulation studies. The maximum projected train traffic and time table is simulated using software and the electric power requirement at each power substation, location and spacing of substations is assessed. “The power requirements of all the 29 substations and locations were finalised by January 2018 and the power utility companies in Gujarat and Maharashtra were approached. The joint surveys with power utility companies were completed by April 2018. The utility companies are now going ahead with related works,” said a spokesperson for NHSRCL.

As part of a green energy initiative, the Mumbai–ahmedabad bullet train corridor will tap solar energy at the rolling stock depots in Sabarmati and Thane, the High-speed Rail Training Institute in Vadodara, and Sabarmati HSR Complex.

Of the 508.17-km-long bullet train corridor, 155.76 km will be in Maharashtra, 348.04 km in Gujarat and 4.3 km in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Narendra Modi government has set the ambitious deadline of completing the project by August 15, 2022