Bullet train’s first opening stretch expanded to 100 km from Surat to Vapi

New Delhi: The first operational stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) corridor has been expanded from the earlier planned 50 km to 100 km between Surat and Vapi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during a Cabinet briefing on Wednesday.

Vaishnaw said construction work on the high-speed rail project is progressing rapidly and the train’s inauguration remains scheduled for 2027. Notably, the initial operational stretch was earlier planned between Surat and Bilimora in Navsari district, covering around 50 km.

The Union Minister added that key construction works are expected to be completed by around December, while work on the train sets is also progressing rapidly. The first prototype coach for testing was completed last week.

The prototype coach is currently undergoing a squeeze test, during which pressure is applied to assess its mechanical features and structural strength. It will subsequently undergo tests involving water immersion, sub-zero temperatures and high-temperature conditions.

After the testing process, the remaining coaches will be manufactured and furnished. The train is expected to be brought onto the tracks for trial runs by May or June 2027, the minister said.

The Surat-Vapi section will be the first stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor to be opened, marking an important milestone in India’s first bullet train project. DeshGujarat