Bullet Train by 2027: Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project Nears Launch
Bullet Train by 2027: Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project Nears Launch ( representative image )
India’s long-awaited bullet train project is finally moving closer to reality, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirming that the country’s first high-speed train will be ready in 2027. The announcement marks a major milestone for Indian Railways, as work on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor continues at a rapid pace across multiple locations.
Speaking at Rail Bhawan, the Railway Minister said the project will be opened in a phased manner to ensure smooth and safe operations. According to him, “The first operational stretch will be between Surat and Bilimora. After that, services will begin from Vapi to Surat, followed by Vapi to Ahmedabad. Later, trains will run from Thane to Ahmedabad, and finally the full Mumbai to Ahmedabad section will be opened.” He added that the first bullet train is expected to be ready by 15 August 2027, jokingly remarking, “Tickets could be booked even now, because the train will be running by 2027.”
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor is India’s first dedicated high-speed rail line and is being implemented by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Stretching across 508 kilometres, the corridor will support trains running at speeds of up to 320 kmph, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just 2 hours and 7 minutes. The project is being developed with technical and financial assistance from Japan, combining globally tested Shinkansen technology with large-scale Indian construction capabilities.
The high-speed corridor will feature 12 stations located at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Once complete, the route is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat, while also setting a benchmark for future high-speed rail projects in the country.
The total estimated cost of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project is around ₹1.08 lakh crore. Of this amount, nearly 81 per cent, or about ₹88,000 crore, is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through a long-term loan arrangement. The Ministry of Railways has set a target to complete the entire corridor by December 2029, with phased operations beginning earlier.
Construction work has already achieved substantial progress. As of December 9, 2025, around 330 kilometres of viaducts and 408 kilometres of pier work have been completed. A total of 17 river bridges are ready, including five pre-stressed concrete bridges and 11 steel bridges, with the first 130-metre span of a 230-metre-long steel bridge completed. More than 4.7 lakh noise barriers have been installed along 235 kilometres of the corridor to minimise sound impact in nearby areas.
Track-related work is also advancing steadily, with 260 track kilometres of reinforced concrete track bed completed. Nearly 3,700 overhead equipment masts have been installed, covering approximately 85 route kilometres on the mainline viaduct. Tunnel construction is progressing in Maharashtra, including excavation work on seven mountain tunnels in Palghar district and around 5 kilometres of the 21-kilometre NATM tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata.
In addition, construction of rolling stock depots at Surat and Ahmedabad is underway. Station buildings in Gujarat are at an advanced stage of construction, while work has begun on all three elevated stations in Maharashtra. Base slab casting is currently in progress at the underground Mumbai station, marking a key step forward for the project.
Alongside the bullet train update, the Railway Minister also announced that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to be launched soon. The service is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the second half of January 2026. Highlighting the growing popularity of Vande Bharat Express services, Vaishnaw said the trains have generated a “new sense of confidence across the country,” adding that demand is coming in from almost every region. He noted that the sleeper version will offer the same standards of comfort, safety and performance, while introducing a new overnight travel experience.
