The Gujarat government has initiated the creation of special town planning schemes around Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train stations. The focus is initially on Sabarmati and Surat stations, aiming for harmonious development in proximity. It targets land currently occupied by slums or owned by railways. The officials studied Japanese bullet train stations which work as comprehensive utility hubs integrated with transport, malls, and residential blocks. The proposed redevelopment at Gujarat is to be on these lines with the aim to give the bullet train stations in India an international appearance by using the town planning schemes. The ongoing Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail project is set to become India's first bullet train route.
The Gujarat government is embarking on a strategic initiative to formulate specialized town planning schemes around stations of the upcoming Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train. This proactive measure seeks to ensure seamless integration of development near these stations with the surrounding areas. Initially, the focus lies in crafting innovative town planning schemes for the Sabarmati and Surat stations, with a blueprint to replicate similar models for other stations in Gujarat. To gain insights and inspiration, a delegation of officials from the urban development department recently undertook a visit to Japan. The purpose was to study the intricate station patterns of operational bullet trains in Japan. A government official emphasized that in Japan, bullet train stations function as comprehensive utility hubs. Apart from being connected to other means of public transport, these stations are seamlessly integrated with malls, stores, and even residential blocks. Presently, the land surrounding the Sabarmati and Surat stations earmarked for the bullet train project is either occupied by slum-dwellers or falls under the jurisdiction of the railways. In a significant move towards redevelopment, there are plans to revitalize this land. Sources close to the development suggest that private entities stand to gain from additional floor space index (FSI) as part of this initiative. Anticipating a transformation, sources hint that the new town planning schemes will impart an international aesthetic to the bullet train stations. This vision aligns with the broader objective of creating modern, multifunctional hubs that transcend conventional transportation nodes. In essence, the Gujarat government's proactive approach, informed by international best practices and a commitment to holistic development, underscores a comprehensive vision for the future of transportation infrastructure in the region. The synergy between urban planning and high-speed rail innovation is set to define a new era in connectivity and urban living for Gujarat. As India’s first bullet train gets ready to ply between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, the associated town planning schemes are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping not only the physical landscape but also the functional and aesthetic aspects of the project.
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