India’s First Bullet Train to Launch on August 15, 2027: Full Details of Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project
- TPP
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
India’s first high-speed bullet train is set to begin operations on August 15, 2027, marking a historic leap in the country’s transportation infrastructure. The announcement was made by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who confirmed that the flagship Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is progressing steadily and will be commissioned in a phased manner.
The ambitious project, currently under construction, is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) and represents India’s entry into the global league of nations operating world-class high-speed rail systems.
Phased Commissioning Plan Announced
Briefing the media at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, the Railways Minister outlined a clear step-by-step rollout plan for the bullet train corridor.
The first operational section will be the Surat–Bilimora stretch in Gujarat
This will be followed by the Vapi–Surat section
Subsequently, the Vapi–Ahmedabad segment will be opened
The first inter-state high-speed section, connecting Thane to Ahmedabad, will then become operational
In the final phase, services will commence on the complete Mumbai–Ahmedabad route
Once fully operational, the corridor will dramatically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just 2 hours and 7 minutes (127 minutes).
Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Route and Stations
The 508-kilometre-long MAHSR corridor will connect key economic and urban centres across western India. The project will feature 12 stations, namely:
Mumbai
Thane
Virar
Boisar
Vapi
Bilimora
Surat
Bharuch
Vadodara
Anand
Ahmedabad
Sabarmati
The corridor spans approximately 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra, ensuring seamless high-speed connectivity across state boundaries.
Project Cost and Japanese Financing
The total estimated cost of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is approximately ₹1.08 lakh crore.
About 81% of the project cost (₹88,000 crore) is being funded through a soft loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The project incorporates Japanese Shinkansen technology, known globally for its safety, precision and reliability
Latest Construction Progress (As of December 9, 2025)
The Railways Ministry shared a detailed update on the physical progress of the project:
330 km of viaduct construction completed out of 508 km
408 km of pier work completed
17 river bridges completed
5 PSC bridges and 11 steel bridges completed
The first 130-metre span of a 230-metre-long steel bridge completed
4.7 lakh noise barriers installed across 235 km
260 track km (130 route km) of RC track bed completed
Around 3,700 Overhead Equipment (OHE) masts installed covering 85 route km
Excavation underway on 7 mountain tunnels in Palghar district
5 km of NATM tunnel completed out of the 21 km underground tunnel between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra
Rolling stock depots at Surat and Ahmedabad under construction
Superstructure work at all stations in Gujarat at an advanced stage
Base slab casting underway at the Mumbai underground station
Surat–Bilimora Section Nears Completion
The 47-km Surat–Bilimora section, which will be the first to open, is in an advanced stage of readiness. Civil works and track-bed construction in this section have been fully completed.
The Surat Bullet Train Station, inspired by the city’s globally renowned diamond industry, has been designed with a strong emphasis on passenger comfort and functionality. It will feature:
Spacious waiting lounges
Modern amenities
Retail facilities
Seamless connectivity with Surat Metro, city buses and the Indian Railways network
Strategic and Economic Significance
Once operational, India’s first bullet train is expected to:
Revolutionise inter-city travel in western India
Boost trade, tourism and regional economic development
Create employment opportunities along the corridor
Strengthen India–Japan strategic and technological cooperation
Set the foundation for future high-speed rail corridors across the country
The government has targeted December 2029 for the full completion of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.
A Landmark Independence Day Milestone
With its scheduled launch on August 15, 2027, India’s first bullet train will stand as a symbol of modern infrastructure, technological advancement and national ambition—coinciding with India’s Independence Day, a moment designed to reflect the country’s leap into a faster, more connected future
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