India’s First Bullet Train Set to Launch on Mumbai–Ahmedabad Corridor
India is poised to enter the high-speed rail era with the launch of its first bullet train on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR). After years of planning, design, and construction, the ambitious project is steadily moving toward completion, with the inaugural service reportedly scheduled for August 2027—a major milestone for the country’s transport infrastructure.
The 508-kilometre corridor will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad in under three hours, cutting travel time by more than half compared to conventional trains, which currently take seven to eight hours. Built to international high-speed rail standards, the corridor promises faster, safer, and more reliable intercity travel.
Engineering Feats and Japanese CollaborationDeveloped in collaboration with Japan, the MAHSR is designed for the Shinkansen system, renowned worldwide for its efficiency and safety. Initial operations will use Shinkansen E5 series trains capable of speeds up to 320 km/h. The corridor includes several engineering marvels, such as multiple tunnels, a 21-kilometre underground section, and a 7-kilometre undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek, making it one of India’s most technically challenging rail projects.
Stations, Launch Timeline, and Service FrequencyThe Ministry of Railways and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed that the first bullet train run will be flagged off on August 15, 2027, covering a 100-kilometre stretch between Surat and Vapi. Full operations across all 12 stations—from Bandra Kurla Complex, Thane, Virar, and Boisar in Maharashtra to Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati in Gujarat—are expected by 2029.
Trains are planned to operate every 15–20 minutes, offering significant boosts to economic activity, regional connectivity, and development along the corridor.
