New Delhi : India’s first bullet train is likely to begin operations by August 15, 2027, with a phased rollout on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media in New Delhi, the Railway Minister said that the ambitious bullet train project is progressing rapidly and marks a major step toward modernising India’s rail infrastructure. The services will be launched in stages, starting with the Surat–Bilimora section as the first operational stretch.
According to Vaishnaw, subsequent phases will include the Vapi–Surat section, followed by Vapi–Ahmedabad. Later, the Thane–Ahmedabad section will be commissioned, and in the final stage, the entire Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor will become fully operational.
The minister also revealed that the design work for three critical technologies being used in the project has been completed. These include advanced suspension bogie technology, compression (pressure control) technology, and the vehicle control system. He said these technologies are crucial for ensuring high speed, safety, stability, and passenger comfort in bullet train operations.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the bullet train project is not just a new mode of transport but a transformative initiative for Indian Railways. “This project reflects India’s commitment to world-class infrastructure, self-reliance, and futuristic transportation systems,” he said. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and boost economic activities, tourism, and employment generation along the corridor.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is India’s first bullet train project and is being developed with technical and financial assistance from Japan. The trains will operate using Japan’s renowned Shinkansen technology, known globally for its speed, safety, and reliability.
Once operational, the bullet train is expected to redefine long-distance travel in India and place the country among the select nations with high-speed rail networks.
