Bullet Train Project Disrupts Dahanu Farmers: Stray Cattle, Debris, and Lost Crops

Dahanu, Maharashtra: As India's first bullet train project—connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad—progresses, Dahanu farmers are facing crop losses due to careless actions by local contractors working on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. The contractors have breached fences and dumped debris, causing damage to the farmers' land and disrupting their agricultural activities.

Farmers, such as Fawzan Husain Ahmed from Chari village, have reported losing crops due to stray cattle entering their fields. Ahmed’s banana trees, Tuwar plantation, and coconut trees were destroyed after debris was dumped on his land. Other farmers, including 75-year-old Bhagwan Dubla, face similar issues with debris and abandoned cattle ruining their fields. Despite multiple complaints, the problems persist, making it nearly impossible for them to maintain their livelihoods.

The NHSRCL, which oversees the bullet train project, acknowledged the issue and sent a special team to fix the broken fences and repair the damage. However, the delay in progress and lack of proper action have left farmers struggling.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, part of India’s first bullet train project, promises faster connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat. With trains running at 320 km/h, this project is expected to transform intercity travel. Yet, for farmers in Dahanu, the construction has created more obstacles than opportunities.