Work is in progress to integrate the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) terminal, India’s first underground bullet train station at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), with two major Mumbai metro lines and adjacent commercial complexes, officials confirmed. As part of a broader multi-modal integration (MMI) plan, the initiative aims to ensure seamless access between the high-speed rail station and the city’s public transport network.

A 1.1-kilometre underground tunnel with a travelator is proposed to connect the terminal to the Kotak-BKC station on Metro Line-3, which runs from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade. In addition, a foot overbridge (FOB) will link the terminal’s top level to the IL&FS station on the upcoming Metro Line-2B, which stretches from DN Nagar to Mandale.

The project is being led by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) in coordination with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL).

Officials stated that the proposed tunnel will be constructed during the ongoing development of the bullet train station in Mumbai. It is expected to resemble the city's existing pedestrian subways at Churchgate and CSMT, with travelators for easy movement and retail shops lining the sides for commercial use. The estimated cost for the tunnel ranges between ₹100 crore and ₹150 crore, depending on the final structural and architectural plans.

While the alignment of the tunnel has already been identified, decisions regarding construction responsibilities, engineering specifics and funding are still under discussion. The tunnel will have four entry and exit points, linking the terminal to nearby pedestrian access zones for commuter convenience.

The Mumbai HSR station is being built across five acres and is expected to cost over ₹3,600 crore. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. The station will be 495 metres long with an additional 500-metre underground extension.

The structure will have three levels:

• Bottom level (30–35 metres underground): Train platforms

• Middle level: Ticketing counters, access gates, driver facilities, and the tunnel entrance to Metro Line-3

• Top level (at road height): Commercial outlets, food courts, and retail shops

The multi-tiered design is intended to enhance commuter flow and integrate public amenities within the transit facility.

A foot overbridge is also planned to directly link the bullet train terminal with the under-construction IL&FS station on Metro Line-2B. This bridge will begin at the topmost level of the high-speed rail station and offer a direct pedestrian route to the metro concourse. The IL&FS station is being built just 50 metres away from the bullet train terminal along the main Bandra-Kurla road, making it a key access point for last-mile connectivity.

Several commercial buildings in the vicinity have approached NHSRCL to explore direct connectivity with the bullet train terminal. The Bharat Diamond Bourse, located close to the station, has requested a dedicated pedestrian bridge or subway to facilitate quicker access, especially for diamond merchants commuting frequently between Mumbai and Surat.

Officials said such proposals are being reviewed as part of the wider integration blueprint, which aims to transform the area into a high-density, transit-oriented hub.

Excavation work at the BKC HSR station site is currently underway. NHSRCL has confirmed that all excavated soil and debris is being transported to a designated disposal site in Bhiwandi, clearing the area for structural construction to begin in the coming months. Once completed, the BKC terminal will serve as Mumbai’s entry point to India’s first bullet train corridor. It is expected to set a benchmark for multi-modal transit integration.

India's First High-Speed Rail: The Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor will be India’s first bullet train, operating at speeds of up to 320 km/h and significantly reducing travel time between the two cities.

Route Length: The total length of the corridor is 508 km, covering Maharashtra (156 km), Dadra & Nagar Haveli (2 km), and Gujarat (350 km).

Station Network: The route will have 12 stations: Bandra-Kurla Complex, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Engineering Highlights: Approximately 90% of the route is elevated. It also includes 26 km of tunnels, with a 7 km section running under the sea, near Thane Creek.

Reduced Travel Time: The bullet train will cut the Mumbai–Ahmedabad journey from over 7 hours to approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the number of stops.

Construction Progress: Civil works are advancing quickly, especially in Gujarat. The first operational section is expected by 2027, with the entire corridor likely to be completed by 2028–29.

Technology and Sustainability: The project will use Japan's Shinkansen E5 Series technology, known for its speed, safety, and environmental efficiency.