Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Railways in India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail’ (Project-SMART)
Aim: To develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway (MAHSR) stations to improve the accessibility and convenience of commuters and promote economic activities in the vicinity of station areas.
About Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR):
| Aspect | Description | |
| Inauguration | The project was inaugurated in 2017 | 
|
| Location | From Sabarmati (Gujarat) to Bandra (Mumbai). It will pass through three districts in Maharashtra, eight in Gujarat and will cut through Dadra and Nagar Haveli. | |
| Implementing agency | National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) | |
| Distance | 508 KM | |
| Significance | It is the first and only approved bullet train in India. HSR has an economic multiplier effect and is expected to further catalyze India’s economic growth and act as a stimulus for the development of satellite towns. | |
| Technology | Automatic train control, Undersea tunnel technology, E5 Series Shinkansen Technology, Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology | |
| Challenges faced by the MAHSR | Challenges in land acquisition, significant engineering challenges, and daily passenger requirements for the project to make investments even | |
About NHSRCL:
NHSRCL (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited) is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created in 2016 with the objective of financing, constructing, maintaining and managing the High-Speed Rail Corridor in India. The SPV has equity participation from the Central Government through the Ministry of Railways, as well as the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
