Feasibility report on Bullet train being prepared, says Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today said the feasibility report on high-speed bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai was being prepared with the assistance of a Japan government's company.
A feasibility report on the high-speed bullet train is being prepared with the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Prabhu told reporters on the sidelines on flagging off of two new trains from Ahmedabad.
"A company in the Japan government along with Indian Railway is assisting in that (making the feasibility report). There will be no budgetary provision (for the study) in the upcoming Railway budget as feasibility report will be finished after next budget," he added.

Prabhu also stressed on development of integrated transport system within cities to cope with rising number of migration from rural to urban cities.
"Population in cities has been increasing. Considering this, we have to see that the transport system in cities are in an integrated manner. And now integrated transport planning is a necessary thing for us, which will include inter-city transport facility and an internal system within the city," Prabhu said.
Citing example of Ahmedabad's BRTS (Bus rapid transit system), he said, "If we will make an integrated system (road and railways), they can be complimentary to each other. I will meet the Chief Minister and request to make an integrated transport plan," he added.

When asked about Ministry's plan on port connectivity, Prabhu said, "There is an intense need to develop ports and they cannot be developed until and unless there is a rail connectivity. Therefore, we have decided to take necessary steps for connecting ports and if there is a need of private investment or if a state government will come for that, we will definitely support," he said.
To a query on Gujarat's share in the upcoming budget, he said the ministry will decide after consultation with the state government.
He said Railways has taken an initiative with the state government to work together where the state undertakes its priorities.