When Will India’s Bullet Train Start Running? The Official Timeline Has Finally Been Announced

Mumbai/Ahmedabad (The Uttam Hindu): India's exciting first bullet train project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad is making great strides. A recent report from CNN-News18 reveals that a segment of the 508-kilometer high-speed rail corridor might start operations between Sabarmati and Vapi in Gujarat as early as 2028, with the entire route anticipated to be up and running by 2030.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is preparing to conduct a detailed ridership survey. This survey will assess potential passenger numbers, fare structures, and traffic forecasts. It will also study how travelers currently using cars, taxis, buses, AC trains, and air travel may shift to the high-speed rail. The survey will focus primarily on areas along national highways and expressways.

The total length of the bullet train corridor is 508 kilometers, with approximately 348 kilometers in Gujarat and 156 kilometers in Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, stations are being developed at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Thane, Virar, and Boisar. In Gujarat, stations will be located at Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided an update on the project’s progress, stating that 300 kilometers of viaduct construction has been completed so far. Excavation work at the Mumbai BKC station is 76% finished. Additionally, 383 kilometers of pier work, 401 kilometers of foundation, and 326 kilometers of girder casting have been completed.