123Pune.com

New Delhi (PTI): Decks have been cleared for inviting global tenders for conducting a pre-feasibility study of a high-speed train on the Pune-Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, which could cut travel time between the cities by nearly half.

Currently the 660 km long distance between Pune and Ahmedabad is covered by an overnight journey. The proposed high speed train or bullet train, is expected to run at 300 km per hour on a dedicated fast track.

A consultant will be appointed to carry out the study on the proposed high speed corridor connecting Pune with Ahemadabad, a senior Railway Ministry official said.

The study will focus on technicalities, financial and operational viability of the project.

There are many countries including Japan, China, France and Germany which have shown interest in being part of the high speed corridor project.

The cost of the pre-feasibility study would be shared by the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Railways Ministry.

The pre-feasibility study will be followed by a more detailed study focusing on traffic pattern, funding plan, stakeholders' view, fare structure and other related issues before beginning the work, the official said.

Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad section is the second proposed route for which railways would invite tenders for the study. Three months ago, tenders were invited for the Delhi-Amritsar route in which many global players participated.

Seven global players including consultants from France, Belgium and Germany have been shortlisted for the Delhi-Amritsar route and a final decision on selection of the consultant would be taken shortly, the official added.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806221040.htm