New Delhi: National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the implementation agency for the Bullet Train projects in India, has signed the first agreement for the design, supply and construction of track and track related works for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor) on Friday. In an official press release issued on Friday, NHSRCL said that it has signed an agreement with Ircon International Limited (IRCON), a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, for a double-line high-speed railway (237 Km between Vadodara and Vapi in the state of Gujarat) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor (MAHSR T-2 Package).

According to the company, the ballast-less slab Track system as used in Japanese HSR (Shinkansen) will be used on India's first HSR project (MAHSR). "Japan Railway Track Consultant Co. Limited (JRTC) has provided the detailed design and drawing of major HSR track components like RC Track bed, Track slab arrangement and continuous welded rail (CWR) forces etc. for the contract," it added.

"The contract will boost the Make in India initiative as an Indian company IRCON has been awarded the contract," the release added.

The agreement signing ceremony has been attended by NHSRCL's Managing Director Satish Agnihotri along with other Directors, Embassy of Japan in India's Minister (Economic & Development) MIYAMOTO Shingo, JICA's (India Office) Chief Representative SAITO Mitsunori, IRCON's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Yogesh Kumar Mishra along with other senior officers from NHSRCL, IRCON, JICC, JRTC and JARTS.

Speaking on the occasion, Agnihotri said "We have received support from JICA in a very effective manner. I appreciate the technical support extended by JICC, JARTS and JRTC for the MAHSR project."

While Shingo called the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project the biggest and most brightly shining example of cooperation between India and Japan. "Under this contract, Indian contractors will receive the transfer of Japanese Shinkansen technology which will give a big boost to the Make in India initiative." he further added.

And Mitsunori said "The Track works is a crucial part of railway safety and comfortable ride in Shinkansen technology. Track work contract will offer a unique opportunity for Indian companies to work with Japanese agencies who have expertise in Shinkansen technology."

NHSRCL Director (Project) Rajendra Prasad said, "the Shinkansen technology has an unpanelled record of safety and track plays a very important role in the safety of train running. It is an excellent example of transfer of technology, as Japanese experts will come to India to provide training to Indian supervisors and workers involved in track work."

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