MAHARASHTRA (Metro Rail News): According to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the central government has acquired over 89 percent of the land needed for the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project. The execution of the nation’s first bullet train, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has been delayed due to a delay in land acquisition in the state of Maharashtra, as well as subsequent delays in the finalization of contracts due to the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Minister stated in his written response to a question in the Lok Sabha. He further noted that out of a total 1,396 hectares of land that is needed for the MAHSR project around 89 percent, approximately 1,248 hectares of land has been acquired.
According to the Minister, Maharashtra has obtained 68.65 percent of the 297.81 hectares of land needed for the bullet train project. He said that five villages in the Maharashtra district of Palghar have approved Gramsabhas resolutions opposing the land acquisition procedure for the MAHSR project. The well-known Maharashtrian villages are Kallale, Warkhunti, Khaniwadi, Man and Sakhare. According to the Minister of Railways, Gujarat has obtained 98.76 percent of the 954.28 hectares of land needed for the high-speed rail project.
The 7.9 hectares of land needed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been fully acquired by the central government, the Railway Minister stated. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NSHRCL) which is carrying out the Bullet Train project is constantly pursuing the villagers by emphasizing the advantages of the MAHSR project, the generous compensation amount and the rehabilitation and resettlement options provided to the land losers of the affected villages, the minister continued.
