With a clearance from the Maharashtra government, the railways on Friday invited fresh bids for the underground station at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for the Bullet train line. National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) officials said BKC station will be the starting point of this 508-km long high-speed rail line and the tunnels till Shilphata will be more than 21-km-long, thus forming a vital component of India’s first Bullet train project connecting the two cities.

Sources said eventually as the line expands to other corridors down south and other parts of the country, BKC will serve as their terminus as well. A key crossover for future corridors is expected to be in Thane district. The 21-km tunnel is part of another package and a tender for the same is yet to be floated.