India is on the verge of a major transportation milestone with the upcoming launch of its first bullet train service between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 3, 2025, this ambitious high-speed rail project is expected to commence operations very soon, dramatically reducing travel time between the two key cities. The much-anticipated corridor, spanning 508 kilometers, will slash the current journey time of approximately 7–8 hours down to just 127 minutes, or a little over two hours.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is being implemented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) with technological and financial support from Japan. The bullet train service will operate at a maximum speed of 320 km/h and will feature a total of 12 stations across Maharashtra and Gujarat. These stations include Bandra Kurla Complex (Mumbai), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. The route has been strategically designed to cater to both metropolitan centers and growing industrial hubs along the western corridor.
Civil construction for the project has made significant progress, with a major portion of the viaduct infrastructure already completed. As of now, nearly 392 kilometers of piers, 329 kilometers of girder casting, and 308 kilometers of girder launching have been completed. Notably, eight massive circular piers have been successfully constructed across the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, reflecting the scale and precision of the engineering involved.
One of the most ambitious components of the project is the undersea tunnel near Thane Creek, which is part of a 21-kilometer stretch that includes both underground and underwater passages. While progress has been steady, some delay has been caused by the late arrival of three Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that are currently stuck at a Chinese port. However, railway officials have assured that this will not impact the overall completion timeline.
The bullet train is being modeled on Japan’s Shinkansen technology, known globally for its speed, safety, and punctuality. Initially, the E5 series Shinkansen trains will be used for trial runs. For full-scale commercial operations, the newly developed E10 series trains are expected to be introduced. These will offer enhanced speed and comfort, with Japan also planning to roll out the E10 series domestically around the same time. Additionally, Indian firms such as ICF and BEML are exploring indigenous manufacturing of high-speed trainsets to meet the needs of future corridors.
As per the timeline shared by Minister Vaishnaw, the Gujarat section of the corridor—from Vapi to Sabarmati—is expected to be operational by December 2027. The full corridor, including the Maharashtra section extending to Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, is likely to be completed by December 2029. There is also speculation that partial operations may begin in Gujarat by 2028, ahead of full-scale nationwide deployment.
The introduction of the bullet train is poised to be a game-changer for India’s transport sector. It aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernizing infrastructure, enhancing inter-city connectivity, and promoting sustainable development. The train is expected to serve not just business travelers and tourists but also boost the regional economy by facilitating faster movement of people and services.
In conclusion, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project represents a bold step into the future for India’s railways. With construction progressing steadily and government commitment remaining firm, the dream of ultra-fast, world-class rail travel in India is inching closer to reality. This transformative project will not only redefine how India travels but also mark its arrival on the global map of high-speed rail technology.
