India’s pioneering bullet train route, spanning 508 kilometers between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, has chosen four of its 12 stations—Thane, Virar, Surat, and Sabarmati—for development under the SMART (Station Area Development) initiative. This innovative approach, also known as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), aims to improve commuter convenience, ease congestion, and foster commercial growth around these transit hubs.
Enhancing Accessibility and Urban Growth
The SMART initiative is focused on five core objectives: improving accessibility, promoting mixed-use development, stimulating local economies, generating revenue, and supporting sustainable urban growth. Each of the four selected stations will see development up to 800 meters from the station premises, with upgrades rolled out in three structured phases. The initial phase will focus on the immediate 200-meter radius around each station, establishing infrastructure for pick-ups, drop-offs, parking, and passenger-friendly facilities. The second phase will cover 200 to 500 meters, enhancing road connectivity to the stations, and is expected to be complete within 10 years of the project's main completion. The final phase will develop an additional 300 meters over the following decade, contributing to the area’s long-term growth and accessibility.
Seamless Connectivity
To create an efficient transit ecosystem, SMART will integrate the stations with multiple transportation options, including metro lines, bus services, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. This multimodal setup will not only shorten travel times but also encourage public transport use, reducing congestion in the surrounding urban areas. This holistic approach ensures that commuters benefit from improved connectivity while minimizing strain on local infrastructure.
Progress and Timeline
The full realization of SMART’s goals will require amendments to existing policy frameworks, including adjustments for higher Floor Area Ratios (FAR) and Floor Space Index (FSI), potential road widening, land-use changes, and the transfer of development rights. The Japan International Cooperation Agency is set to offer technical expertise, aligning the project with international standards and practices for urban station area development. With India’s High-Speed Rail project nearing 50% completion, trial runs between Surat and Billimora—a 50-kilometer stretch—are anticipated by mid-2026. Construction across the 12 stations along the route remains in various stages, marking steady progress toward a fully operational high-speed rail network that promises to reshape connectivity and economic development across the region.
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