The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has gained momentum and the work is going on at full speed. With the installation of the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra, a few hurdles have also been eased out recently. Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is 508.17 km long passing through Maharashtra, Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The Construction work at all the eight stoppage stations in Gujarat is in different stages of advancement. Among them, Surat station will be the first to achieve completion, by 2024. The eight proposed stations in Gujarat, out of 12 designated for the bullet train route are Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. The four proposed stations in Maharashtra are Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, and Boisar.
Sabarmati, the north Ahmedabad area station, so far a small station will get extraordinary face-lift thanks to the project as the terminus on one end of this prestigious project.
Interestingly, the facades of the stations on the route of bullet trains will reflect the local culture and character of the town. The design of the facade at each station will showcase the site-specific architectural flavour. It will also be ensured that the station façade design facilitates, wherever possible, ample natural light to penetrate into the passenger areas and external sky views. Extensive research on geographical, economical infrastructural, cultural and various other factors has gone into designing the facades.
Sidi Saiyad Jali of the famous Ahmedabad mosque by the same name will figure at a pllace of pride at Ahmedabad station whereas Mahatma Gandhi’s charkha will be part of the dsign at the Sabarmati station façade.
Banyan Tree, called Vad in Indian languages and on which the word “Vadodara” is derived from, will inspire the design at Vadodara station. Motifs of diamond will adorn the facade of the “Diamond city” Surat.
The inspiration behind Bharuch station façade design is 150 years old art and its artist of cotton weaving. Vapi Facade will showcase the importance and significance of speed.
