Surat: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the country’s first bullet train will begin operations on August 15, 2027. The inaugural service will run between Surat and Bilimora in south Gujarat.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Railway Minister said the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is being implemented in four phases. The first phase will see trial runs and commercial operations start on the Surat–Bilimora section. Once all phases are completed, the bullet train will cover the entire 508-kilometre corridor between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Providing an update on the project’s progress, Vaishnaw said construction work is progressing at a rapid pace. Significant advances have been made in the construction of river bridges, viaducts, and stations. The Surat–Bilimora stretch has been prioritised, as construction in this section is at an advanced stage compared to other parts of the corridor.

According to Minister Vaishnaw, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor will be inaugurated in stages:

• Surat to Bilimora – first section to open

• Vapi to Surat – next phase

• Vapi to Ahmedabad – third stage

• Thane to Ahmedabad – subsequent phase

• Mumbai to Ahmedabad – final stretch

Once operational, the bullet train will reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Mumbai to less than three hours. Based on Japan’s state-of-the-art Shinkansen technology, the high-speed rail service will offer passengers world-class comfort, speed, and safety.

The Railway Minister added that the launch of the bullet train on August 15, 2027, coinciding with the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, will be a landmark moment for the nation and a significant milestone in India’s journey towards modern and advanced railway infrastructure. DeshGujarat