Quick Reads
- India’s first bullet train is slated to begin services on August 15, 2027.
- Trains will run on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor initially.
- The launch is planned in phases, starting with shorter sections first.
- Construction is advancing, with major tunnel breakthroughs and station work underway.
The Story
Where It Happened
The bullet train project is centred on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, a 508-kilometre track stretching across Gujarat and Maharashtra. This corridor will link key cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi, Thane and Mumbai with sleek, high-speed rail services.
How It Will Roll Out
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that India’s first bullet train is on track for an August 15, 2027 launch. Rather than opening the full route at once, services will go live in phases:
1. Surat to Bilimora — first section to open.
2. Vapi to Surat — next extension.
3. Vapi to Ahmedabad — third stage.
4. Thane to Ahmedabad — later expansion.
5. Full Mumbai to Ahmedabad link — final stretch.
The completed corridor is designed for speeds up to 320 km/h, cutting travel time sharply between Mumbai and Ahmedabad compared with conventional trains.
Progress & Construction
Work on the high-speed corridor is underway at multiple fronts:
A significant tunnel breakthrough has been achieved in Palghar district, Maharashtra, marking progress through challenging terrain. Elevated viaducts, bridges, stations and other infrastructure are under construction under the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). These engineering milestones show steady progress toward the 2027 goal.
What It Means
When operational, the bullet train will offer a modern, fast travel option for passengers between important western Indian cities. The phased rollout reflects a cautious approach focused on safety and reliability as sections are completed and tested before full corridor activation.
