Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced significant progress on India’s first high-speed bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, stating that the Surat–Bilimora section will be the first to open in 2027.
Speaking from Bilimora Station, Vaishnaw said, “The high-speed bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is progressing very well. We are right now here at Bilimora Station, which is the starting station for the first section. The first section, covering 50 km between Surat and Bilimora, will be opened in 2027.”
Highlighting the rapid pace of development, the Minister confirmed that all civil construction work for the section has been completed, and track-laying work is now underway.
Vaishnaw also emphasized the project’s cutting-edge Japanese engineering, noting the station’s unique design to handle high-speed train dynamics. “When the train passes at 320 kmph, a huge pressure builds up around it. This is Japanese design—an open space has been kept so that the pressure doesn’t build up around the station. Many special precautions have been taken,” he explained.
He added that the station sheets are thicker than those used in other stations and that sound barriers have been installed to minimize noise disturbance for nearby residents.
According to the Minister, the Gujarat section of the project is expected to be completed by 2028, while the Maharashtra section will follow in 2029. Once fully operational, the bullet train will cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from 7–8 hours to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.
“This project represents India’s engineering capabilities and will redefine modern rail travel in the country,” Vaishnaw said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule.
