India is on the verge of launching its first-ever bullet train service, connecting the two major cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad in record time. As announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this high-speed rail corridor will reduce the travel time between the two cities to just about 2 hours and 7 minutes, or 127 minutes, marking a significant leap in the country’s transportation infrastructure. Spanning a distance of 508 kilometers, the train is designed to operate at speeds up to 320 km/h. The bullet train will drastically cut down travel time and usher in a new era of fast, efficient, and modern rail transport in India, making it the fastest passenger rail service in India’s history
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will feature 12 stations, strategically placed to serve key urban and semi-urban regions. The route includes stops at major points like Thane, Virar, Vapi, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, and Sabarmati, before terminating in Ahmedabad. Once fully operational, this service is expected to transform regional connectivity, significantly cutting down travel times and easing congestion on existing rail and road networks.
Construction work on the project is well underway, with major structural elements nearing completion. Over 300 kilometers of viaducts have been constructed, along with several key bridges and tunnels, including an undersea tunnel near Mumbai. The Gujarat section is expected to be the first to become operational, possibly by late 2027, while the entire corridor, including the Mumbai stretch, is projected to be ready by 2028 or early 2029.
The bullet train will be powered by Japanese Shinkansen technology, with India set to introduce the cutting-edge E10 series—scheduled to debut in both Japan and India around 2030. In the initial phase, testing may be conducted using the E5 series Shinkansen trains, already in use in Japan. This collaboration not only ensures high standards of safety and efficiency but also introduces advanced rail technology to India.
Once operational, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train will mark a milestone in India’s journey towards modern, sustainable, and time-efficient travel. It is expected to boost economic activity, encourage tourism, and offer a world-class travel experience that rivals global high-speed rail networks.
