Bhavnagar, August 3 — Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Sunday that India's first bullet train service between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is set to launch soon, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Speaking at Bhavnagar Terminus, where he flagged off the Ayodhya Express, Rewa-Pune Express, and Jabalpur-Raipur Express digitally, the minister highlighted the rapid progress of the high-speed rail project. The event also saw the participation of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who jointly inaugurated the train services.

Vaishnaw stated, “The first bullet train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will begin operations very soon. Work on the project is progressing rapidly, and once operational, the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will take only 2 hours and 7 minutes.”

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will cover a total distance of 508 kilometers, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat. Starting from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, the train will run at a speed of 320 km/h and stop at key stations including Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Manesar (Haryana), April 18 – Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that India's electronics manufacturing and export sectors have witnessed exponential growth over the past decade, driven by favorable policies and government incentives. Speaking at the inauguration of the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line of VVDN Technologies in Manesar, the minister highlighted that Indian-made electronic products are increasingly being recognized worldwide for their reliability and respect for intellectual property rights.

As per agency report, Vaishnaw noted that India’s electronics manufacturing has surged fivefold in the past ten years, surpassing ₹11 lakh crore, while electronics exports have grown sixfold, exceeding ₹3.25 lakh crore. This growth has significantly contributed to employment generation, with approximately 2.5 million jobs created across the sector.

The minister emphasized that India’s strength in design capabilities is enabling the country to produce a wide range of sophisticated products. These include AI-powered cameras, automotive electronics, telecom network equipment, and power electronics, further establishing India's position as a global electronics hub.

Vaishnaw also acknowledged the importance of recently approved incentives by the Cabinet aimed at promoting the production of electronic components. He said such initiatives will strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem and open up new opportunities for the industry.

The inauguration event in Manesar showcased India’s growing prowess in high-end electronics manufacturing, with VVDN Technologies playing a pivotal role in advancing domestic innovation and export potential.

New Delhi, March 28 : The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme worth Rs 22,919 crore for the manufacturing of non-semiconductor electronic components, aiming to boost domestic production and reduce import dependency.

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said the scheme is expected to generate direct employment for around 91,600 people and attract investments of approximately Rs 59,350 crore.

This marks the government’s first targeted initiative to promote the domestic manufacturing of passive electronic components. These components, essential for regulating electrical currents, do not generate or amplify energy on their own but are vital for the functioning of various electronic systems.

Vaishnaw stated that the PLI scheme for electronic components will be implemented over six years and is designed to meet the growing demand from sectors such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and the power industry. The scheme is projected to lead to a total production output of Rs 4.56 lakh crore.

According to industry body Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA), the production of non-semiconductor electronic components in India was valued at around USD 13 billion in 2022. This figure is expected to rise to USD 20.7 billion by 2026 and could touch USD 37 billion by 2030.

ELCINA has also warned that without adequate government support, the segment could face a cumulative trade deficit of USD 248 billion (approximately Rs 21 lakh crore) by 2030, which would need to be met through imports. To address this challenge, the association had previously recommended a support package of USD 8.57 billion (around Rs 72,500 crore) to reduce this projected deficit by Rs 12.36 lakh crore over the next six years.

The newly approved scheme is seen as a significant step toward strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and positioning the country as a global hub for component production.

New Delhi, March 18 – Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that India has emerged as a significant exporter of railway coaches, with locomotives manufactured at Bihar’s Madhepura rail factory set to be shipped globally. As per agency report, Vaishnaw, while responding to discussions on the budgetary demands of the Ministry of Railways for the fiscal year 2025-26, highlighted India's growing presence in the global rail manufacturing sector.

He stated that India is now a leading railway exporter, with metro coaches produced domestically being exported to Australia. Additionally, various train components, including bogies and equipment, are being supplied to countries such as Saudi Arabia and France.

Following Vaishnaw’s response, the Lok Sabha rejected opposition members' proposed budget cuts and passed the ministry’s grant demands through a voice vote.

The minister emphasized that locomotives manufactured at the Madhepura rail factory in Bihar will soon be exported worldwide. Similarly, train wheels produced in Tamil Nadu will be supplied to international markets, further strengthening India’s position in global railway manufacturing.

Vaishnaw called this achievement a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscoring the government's commitment to boosting domestic manufacturing and exports. He also noted that Indian Railways is on track to achieve its "Railway Scope-1 Net Zero" target this year, marking a significant milestone in sustainable railway operations.

New Delhi, March 3: The Government of India has granted Navratna status to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), making them the 25th and 26th companies to achieve this prestigious designation. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the teams of IRCTC and IRFC, calling this recognition a significant step in transforming the railway sector.

As per agency report, with this latest development, all seven listed Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Railways have now received Navratna status. This includes CONCOR (July 2014), RVNL (May 2023), IRCON and RITES (October 2023), RailTel (August 2024), and now IRCTC and IRFC. The Railway Minister also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Ministry for their leadership and support in achieving this milestone.

IRCTC's Growth and Achievements

IRCTC, a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Railway Ministry, has shown remarkable growth. In the financial year 2023-24, the company reported an annual revenue of ₹4,270.18 crore, a net profit of ₹1,111.26 crore, and a net worth of ₹3,229.97 crore. Established in 1999, IRCTC is now celebrating 25 years of excellence in catering, tourism, and online ticketing services, making it one of the most successful railway PSUs.

IRFC's Financial Strength

IRFC plays a crucial role in financing and modernizing Indian Railways. In FY 2023-24, the company recorded an annual turnover of ₹26,644 crore, a net profit of ₹6,412 crore, and a net worth of ₹49,178 crore. Established in 1986, IRFC has now become India’s third-largest government-owned NBFC, significantly contributing to railway infrastructure financing.

Benefits of Navratna Status

Attaining Navratna status provides IRCTC and IRFC with several key advantages, including:

• Financial Autonomy – The companies can now establish joint ventures and subsidiaries without requiring government approval.
• Operational Independence – They can make independent business and investment decisions to enhance efficiency.
• Global Expansion – Both companies can now enter international markets and form strategic alliances.
• Stronger Market Position – The recognition will boost investor confidence and financial stability, attracting more investments.

The elevation of IRCTC and IRFC to Navratna status is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Indian Railways' efficiency and supporting the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. It reinforces the government’s commitment to modernizing rail infrastructure and expanding its global footprint.

Ahmedabad : Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Electronics, and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing railway projects during his visit to Ahmedabad, Anand, and Dahod railway stations on March 1, 2025. The minister inspected major projects, including railway station redevelopment works, the bullet train project, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor, assessing their progress and future plans.

During his visit to Ahmedabad railway station, the minister reviewed the ongoing redevelopment work and highlighted that Gujarat has been allocated ₹17,155 crore this year, which is 29 times more than the average annual railway budget from 2009 to 2014. He emphasized that the state has witnessed over ₹1,27,000 crore in railway investments, including funding for the bullet train project. He further stated that the Ahmedabad station's redevelopment plan incorporates local heritage elements, with a roof plaza designed to provide a seamless waiting area and improved passenger amenities. Additionally, the construction of an elevated road connecting Kalupur and Sarangpur ROBs is proposed, integrating the railway with the bullet train, metro, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems to enhance passenger convenience.

Vaishnaw assured that the construction is being planned strategically to minimize disruptions to train operations and passengers. Following his visit to Ahmedabad, he proceeded to inspect the Ahmedabad-Anand railway section.

At Anand railway station, the minister visited the One Station One Product (OSOP) stall and, while addressing the media, shared that over 1,000 rail overbridges (ROBs) and rail underbridges (RUBs) have been constructed in Gujarat since 2014. He further mentioned that 3,144 kilometers of railway tracks have been electrified since 2014, and the deployment of the Kavach safety system is progressing rapidly. He also confirmed that the Dedicated Freight Corridor in Gujarat has been completed, significantly enhancing port connectivity in the region. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 87 railway stations across Gujarat are undergoing redevelopment to modernize infrastructure and improve passenger services.

Later, Vaishnaw visited the track construction base for the bullet train project, inspecting the rail welding work and the Anand High-Speed Rail (HSR) station. During his visit, he interacted with workers, commended their contributions to nation-building, and took selfies with them.

The minister was accompanied by Members of Parliament, state legislators, public representatives, and senior officials from Western Railway and the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure and ensuring the rapid completion of key railway projects in Gujarat.

New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday shared a video of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad 'Bullet train' corridor which will cut the travel time on the 508 km route between the two cities to a mere 2 hours.

"Stay tuned for #BulletTrain in Modi 3.0!," the minister posted on X.

The video highlights some of the features of the state-of-the-art train project being built with an investment of Rs 1.08 lakh crore. These include:

The Bullet train is expected to touch a maximum speed of 320 kilometres per hour on the route.

The corridor will feature a slab track system, a technology to be used for the first time in India.

As many as 24 river bridges, 28 steel bridges, and seven mountain tunnels are being erected for the Bullet train route.

*The corridor will also have a 7 km undersea tunnel

The video describes the project as "a marvel of world-class engineering" and the "future of India."

GANDHINAGAR : At the grand inauguration of Semicon India 2023 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Union Minister for Electronics and Information and Technology, Ashwani Vaishnav, spotlighted the paramount importance of the semiconductor industry, dubbing it as the "mother industry". He underscored the ubiquity of semiconductors, emphasizing their presence in everything, from diminutive electronic gadgets to colossal structures like aeroplanes and ships.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, he highlighted the launch of the "Bharat Semiconductor Mission", which aims to create a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem in India, fulfilling the demand for semiconductors in diverse sectors including steel, chemical, textile, and education.

Marking the event as a significant milestone in India's developmental trajectory, Vaishnav acclaimed India's economic ascent from the 10th largest economy to the 5th, under PM Modi's leadership, en route to a spot among the top three global economies. He emphatically stated that 'Semicon India-2023' is a beacon of hope in the nation's journey towards semiconductor self-reliance, echoing the PM's aspiration for India to emerge as the largest global hub for chip manufacturing.

Adding to the strategic significance of this initiative, Vaishnav disclosed three pivotal agreements from the Prime Minister's US visit. Notably, Memorandums of Cooperation (MOC) were signed with the US and Japan for a Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership. Furthermore, an MoU with Lam Research ensures the provision of microns, applied materials, and a formidable force of over 60,000 trained specialists to aid semiconductor manufacturing plants in India.

Reflecting on India's investment-friendly climate, Vaishnav recognized the burgeoning interest of companies looking to invest in India. Singling out Gujarat's proactive approach under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, he forecasted Gujarat's ascendancy as the epicenter of chip manufacturing, buoyed by its business-friendly policies.