The Government of Japan participated in the MOU signing ceremony between National High Speed Railway Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) and Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) for Training & Certification service for Track Construction work of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.
- The ceremony, which was organized by NHSRCL on April 19, 2021, was attended by Mr. Miyamoto Shingo, Minister, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Chief Representative, JICA India.
- As per the MOU, JARTS will coordinate and mobilize Japanese experts, with vast experience and expertise in Japan’s Shinkansen’s (also known as the “Bullet Train”) track construction works, to provide Indian side with Training & Certification and Advisory services.
- The staff of contractors, for track packages under the project, will gain opportunities to visit Shinkansen track construction site in Japan.
- Selected staff of the contractors shall also be imparted trainings and advisory services on track construction works by Japanese experts, who will be dispatched to MAHSR construction sites.
- JARTS will impart 15 different kinds of training programs for relevant contractors’ staff such as training for track slab manufacturing engineers and training for rail welding technicians.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Miyamoto Shingo, Minister, Embassy of Japan said, “MAHSR project is an epitome of Japan-India collaboration, contributing to India’s first High Speed Rail project by introducing Japan’s High Speed Rail technology. This MOU between NHSRCL and JARTS will not only contribute to successful implementation of this project, but also strengthen the partnership between India and Japan. This will ensure the Transfer of Technology from Japan’s High Speed Rail system to India, and also give a boost to “Make in India” initiative.”
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Chief Representative, JICA India said, “The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone for the MAHSR project. Since track is crucial for railway safety and comfortable ride, the role of Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) as Training & Certification Agency for track construction works is extremely important for this project. JARTS and Japanese experts will work together closely and shall contribute to effective adoption of Japan’s Shinkansen technology to MAHSR project. I am confident that this partnership between JARTS and NHSRCL would lead to upgradation of India’s railway technology and contribute to the growth and bright future of India’s railway sector.”
- JICA has been supporting the project for the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail by providing ODA loans of INR 250,000 million JPY (approximately 18,000 crore INR) in total since 2017.
- The objective of the Project is to develop a high frequency mass transportation system by constructing the High Speed Rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, using Japan’s Shinkansen technology (also known as the “Bullet Train”), thereby enhancing mobility in India and contributing to regional economic development.
About JICA:
- Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation.
- JICA is the world’s largest bilateral donor agency.
- JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.
About Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor:
The first High Speed Rail corridor to be implemented in the Country, with technical and financial assistance of the Government of Japan, has been identified from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. With a total twelve stations in the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the corridor will have a length of 508.17 Km.
- High speed rail will cover 155.76 kms in the state of Maharashtra (7.04 Kms in Mumbai sub-urban, 39.66 kms in Thane district & 109.06 kms in Palghar district), 4.3 kms in union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 348.04 kms in the state of Gujarat.
- High speed rail will cover a total 12 stations namely Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, (in Maharashtra), Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati (in Gujarat).
- Where a limited stop (in Surat & Vadodara) service will cover this distance in 1 hr. and 58 mins and all stops service will take 2 hr. 57 min to cover this distance.
- High speed rail will be operating at a speed of 320 Km/hr at an elevated (10 to 15 m) track above the ground on a viaduct all along except 26 kms in Mumbai, which will be underground.
- All stations will be elevated except Bandra Kurla Complex station (Mumbai), which will be underground.
Source: JICA-Press Release
