Archive · 25 Jun 2025
China Delays Clearance of TBMs for India's Bullet Train Project
Imagine India is building a super-fast train, like a bullet, and needs giant machines to dig tunnels.
These machines are made in Germany but are stuck in China.
The machines are super important because they will dig a long tunnel for the train.
No one knows exactly why China is not letting the machines leave, which might make the train project take longer.
India's government is now talking to China to try to get the machines, hoping the train can still be finished on time.
Three German-made Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project are stuck in China.
The machines, critical for a 21-km underground section, were manufactured by Herrenknecht in Guangzhou.
Chinese port authorities have delayed clearance, with no official reason given, prompting Indian government intervention.
The delay might impact the bullet train project's progress, specifically the 7-km tunnel under Thane Creek.
The matter has escalated to the External Affairs Ministry, with the Ministry of Railways approaching for diplomatic channels.
- Who
- German tunnelling firm Herrenknecht, Indian Ministry of Railways, and Chinese port authorities.
- What
- Delay in clearance of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) crucial for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
- When
- Clearance delay is ongoing, with the machines expected to arrive in India by October 2024, some earlier this year.
- Where
- Chinese port, specifically Guangzhou.
- Why
- The reason for the delay in clearance by Chinese authorities is not officially stated.
India
China
Project Delay
India
Concerned about delays to the bullet train project due to the stalled TBMs in China.
China
No official view presented in the articles.
Government Action
India
Approaching the External Affairs Ministry to solve the matter.
China
No official view presented in the articles.
- Project
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train corridor
- TBM Manufacturer
- Herrenknecht
- Location of Delay
- Guangzhou, China
- Underground Section Length
- 21 km
- Tunnel Location
- Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Shilphata
- Undersea Tunnel
- 7-km tunnel under Thane Creek