India’s dream of high-speed rail travel is set to become a reality by Independence Day 2027. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train will begin operations in phases, with the inaugural run covering a 100-km stretch between Surat and Vapi.
The 508-km high-speed rail corridor, which connects Sabarmati in Ahmedabad with Mumbai, is designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 kmph. Once the full route is commissioned, it is expected to reduce the travel time between the two major hubs to just 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Phased Operational Strategy and Inaugural Run
Minister Vaishnaw detailed a sequential rollout plan, noting that the first section to become operational will be the Surat–Bilimora stretch. This will be followed by the Vapi–Surat section, then the extension from Vapi to Ahmedabad, Thane to Ahmedabad, and finally the full corridor connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
“The bullet train will be ready in August 15th, 2027. The first section to open will be from Surat to Bilimora. After that, Vapi to Surat will open. Then Vapi to Ahmedabad will open, and after that, Thane to Ahmedabad will open, and then Mumbai to Ahmedabad will open,” Vaishnaw said.
In a significant update, the Minister also revealed that the inaugural run in August 2027 will cover a 100 km stretch between Surat and Vapi. This is an expansion from the original plan, which had envisioned a shorter 50 km demonstration between Surat and Bilimora within the same timeframe.
“The bullet train, in its inaugural run, will now cover 100 km between Surat and Vapi in August 2027. Earlier, the inaugural run was planned on a 50 km stretch between Surat and Billimora within the same deadline.”
Engineering Excellence and Safety Features
The project, which was launched in 2017, utilizes Japan’s renowned Shinkansen technology. While the initial deadline was December 2023, implementation challenges and land acquisition led to the current revised schedule. Officials emphasized that the phased approach ensures high standards of safety and reliability as new segments open to the public.
- Undersea Tunnel: Includes a first-of-its-kind 7 km undersea tunnel near Thane Creek.
- Safety Technology: Equipped with advanced earthquake detection systems and aerodynamic designs for pressure management.
- Accessibility: Includes spacious wheelchair-accessible toilets and state-of-the-art sickroom amenities.
- Passenger Comfort: Features modern heating, cooling, and baby-changing facilities.
Project at a Glance: Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail
| Feature | Specification |
| Total Distance | 508.18 km |
| Operational Speed | 320 km/h |
| Project Technology | Japanese Shinkansen (E5/E10 Series) |
| Total Stations | 12 |
| Major Engineering Feat | 7 km Undersea Tunnel at Thane Creek |
