PM Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe jointly lay foundation stone for bullet train today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe today jointly laid the foundation stone for the high-speed bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. 

The train will cover a distance of over 500 km in around two hours. The project is expected to be completed by 2022. Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Mr Modi. 

The two leaders also laid foundation stone for the dedicated High Speed Rail Training Institute for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train to be established inside the existing campus for the National Academy of Indian Railways at Vadodara. 

The two leaders will also hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar today after which agreements will be signed. Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh said 15 agreements will be signed for investments in the state during the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Modi held an 8-km road show with his Mr Abe and his wife in Ahmedabad. The road show, which began



from Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram. The road show, designed to showcase India's cultural diversity, saw artistes from several states performing on 28 stages erected by the roadside.

The visiting dignitaries and Mr Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the ashram where the Father of the Nation lived for about 12 years. The three dignitaries later sat for some time by the serene Sabarmati Riverfront, developed by Mr Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.

Mr Modi also hosted dinner for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie at famous Agashiye restaurant, known for its elegance and kosher Gujarati cuisine.Mr Modi and the Abe couple also visited the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in evening and enjoyed the a performance of musical instrument Jal Tarang.

Accompanied by his wife, Japanese Prime Minister arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a two-day to India. Mr Abe's wife Akie will visit a number of places including an NGO -- Blind People's Association today.