Bullet train blueprint: PM Modi calls for ‘Blue Book’ of project lessons; engineers share on-ground insights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked engineers working on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project to systematically document their technical and on-ground experiences, saying such a record would help India replicate high-speed rail projects across the country without “repeated experimentation.”Interacting with engineers and workers of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) corridor in Surat on Saturday, Modi said the learnings from India’s first bullet train effort should be compiled like a “Blue Book” so future teams understand why decisions were taken, not just what was done.“If these experiences are documented, the country can move confidently towards large-scale bullet train implementation,” he said, stressing that such material would help students and strengthen nation-building. “We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country,” Modi added.Engineers share field storiesThe prime minister reviewed progress on construction targets, including speed and timetable milestones. Workers told him that the project was advancing smoothly. An engineer from Kerala described her experience at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, where robotic systems are welding rebar cages. She called working on India’s first bullet train a “dream project” and a proud moment for her family.Another team member, Shruti from Bengaluru, serving as Lead Engineering Manager, outlined the design-review and engineering-control processes. She said her team evaluates pros and cons at every execution stage and explores alternatives to ensure error-free delivery.Modi said such stories reflect the motivation that comes from contributing to nation-building, drawing parallels with India’s early space missions and the exponential progress that followed.508-km corridor sees major civil progressThe 508-km MAHSR project covers 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra, connecting key nodes such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, Thane and Mumbai.Built with advanced engineering techniques, nearly 85 per cent of the route—465 km—is on elevated viaducts to reduce land disruption and boost safety. According to the PMO, 326 km of viaduct work is complete, along with 17 of 25 river bridges.Once operational, the bullet train is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to around two hours, significantly improving inter-city mobility. The government says the project will spur business, tourism and economic activity along the corridor, helping catalyse regional development.