The Bullet Train stations are conceived as a gateway to a modern way of living. The design of each of the stations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor will reflect the spirit of the city it is coming up in. This will bring about an instant connection with the local populace, and promote a sense of ownership of the India’s first high-speed system.
For a seamless travel experience, the stations on the alignment will be developed as a transport hub through integration with other modes such as rail, metro, buses, taxis and autos for better, faster and hassle-free connectivity to and from the station. Such interface will reduce travel time, enhance accessibility and promote the use of public transportation, thereby decreasing congestion and emissions in our cities.
In order to enhance accessibility & convenience of commuters, stakeholders and to promote economic activities around the stations, the surrounding areas of Bullet Train stations are planned to be developed in accordance with the policies of TOD (Transit Oriented Development).
In collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Railways, Governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and with partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which brings decades of experience from similar successful projects in Japan, the program aims to introduce world-class station area development techniques, under project for Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project (SMART)
JICA’s role includes, offering technical guidance and expertise to ensure that the TOD plans align with global best practices.
Four stations - Sabarmati and Surat in Gujarat and Virar and Thane in Maharashtra have been shortlisted by the City & State authorities.
Some of the benefits of the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) are:
1.) Improved Accessibility and Reduced Congestion: The project will streamline access to the stations, offering passengers a smoother transit experience.
2.) Mix use development around HSR stations at a walkable distance by developing Key Infrastructure such as corporate offices, hotels, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities around the station areas, creating a holistic urban ecosystem.
3.) Boost to Local Economy: The TOD initiative is expected to foster commercial activities around the stations, benefitting local businesses and contributing to the regional economy.
4.) Revenue Generation through Land Value Capture: The development initiatives can be supported by Urban Planning tools such as introduction of premium FSI/FAR, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) etc.
5.) Sustainable Urban Growth: The project will promote the surrounding cities as liveable, sustainable urban centres, attracting investment and improving the quality of life for residents.
The TOD initiative is planned to be implemented in a phased manner, ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability. The project will cater to both immediate needs at the station level and broader regional development in the future.
Additional information:
| Area | Description | Action/Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Immediate surroundings of Bullet Train station, Pick & Drop off, Parking, Passenger Plaza development | Multi-Model Integration (MMI) schemes for all stations in close coordination with different state planning authorities to ensure smooth integration with existing infrastructure of Stage 1 is already completed. |
| Area 2 | Up to 200-500 m around station building including facilities for passengers | The area around the station will be developed by various city authorities under Gujarat and Maharashtra Government This may require: • Incorporation of station area development plan in the Master Plan of the city, Development Plan and local plans • Amendment or substantive change in the policy frame work such as change of bye-laws, development controls, amendment of Floor Area Ration (FAR/FSI) etc. • Widening of existing roads and correction in road geometry |
| Area 3 | Up to 500-800m around Bullet Train station building including medium to long term development |
Influence area beyond Area 2 to be developed based on city’s vision of creating their unique identity utilising presence of HSR connectivity. This may include Urban Planning tools such as change in Land use, Transfer of Development rights (TDR) etc. This area shall be developed by city authorities considering a time span beyond 10 years. |