How Villagers Turned Billionaires With The Upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Due to the central government paying compensation in exchange for the land parcel it took over to build the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, villagers have reportedly become billionaires.

Mohni residents Kantilal and Hasuben Patel gave up the land their house once stood on for the Bullet Train corridor and received Rs 55 lakh. They hope to see the train zip past from the balcony of their swanky new bungalow. Pic/Nimesh Dave

The house in question sits on the side of the busiest street in the Antroli village in Palsana taluka of Surat district. It’s the one that leads to the gram panchayat headquarters. A swanky three-storey structure, it is coloured tastefully in ivory and chocolate brown; the front door secured by a biometric scanner. A solar panel sits tight on the roof. The ground level leads to a plush living area on the first floor, with an airy terrace that houses a swing, a staple in most homes in Gujarat. 

On the sofa sits Indravadan Vyas, the village priest, and...

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