India’s first bullet train on Mumbai–Ahmedabad route to go full steam by 2029, confirms Vaishnaw

Surat (Gujarat): The 50‑km stretch of India’s first bullet train, between Surat and Bilimora in Gujarat, is set to open in 2027, and by 2029 the entire Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor will be operational, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.

Once functional, the bullet train will cover the distance in just two hours and seven minutes, he said, stressing that the project is progressing well.

Vaishnaw visited the under‑construction Surat station and inspected track installations and the first turnout.

“Overall progress of the first bullet train project is very good. The first 50‑km section of the project between Surat and Bilimora will be open by 2027. … By 2028, the entire Thane‑Ahmedabad section will be commissioned, and by 2029, the entire Mumbai‑Ahmedabad section will open,” he told reporters.

He added that the main line speed potential is 320 km/h, while loop lines will run at 80 km/h.

Vaishnaw noted that advanced technologies are being deployed to ensure safety and stability, with various vibration‑absorbing mechanisms integrated into the tracks.

He also said that the heavy structural work at Surat station is complete, with finishing and utility work underway. A turnout—the point where tracks diverge—has already been installed. He highlighted innovations like roller bearings and composite sleepers in the track infrastructure.

Vaishnaw hoped that the bullet train would transform the corridor’s economy, drawing a parallel to Japan’s bullet train success. He further revealed plans for four more corridors (in the north, east and south), with Mumbai–Ahmedabad being the western link.

PTI