Bullet Train Update: August 2027 is set to be a significant milestone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The initial operational run of the bullet train is anticipated to commence on the roughly 100-kilometer stretch between Surat and Vapi. The goal is to finish the entire 508-kilometer high-speed rail corridor by December 2029.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) regularly shares updates on the progress of this ambitious project via its social media platforms and YouTube channel. Recently, NHSRCL provided a progress update for the bullet train project as of July 2026. The agency reported that work on viaducts, track infrastructure, electrification, bridges, and tunnels is advancing swiftly.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor spans 508 kilometers. It will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad, featuring a total of 12 stations along its route through Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Approximately 90% of the entire alignment will be elevated. The corridor also encompasses construction activities related to tunnels, bridges, and stations.
Pier work has been completed over 453 km
According to NHSRCL’s progress report from July, pier construction has been finalized along about 453 kilometers, and viaducts have been built along 359 kilometers. The agency noted this as an indication of the project’s ongoing advancement. In terms of track infrastructure, RC track bed construction has been completed over 215 kilometers. Additionally, track slab laying and CAM injection have been finalized over 91 kilometers.
200 KM of overhead electrification
The electrification work for high-speed train operations is also moving ahead quickly. More than 9,000 overhead catenary equipment (OHE) masts have been installed along approximately 200 kilometers of the line. These will create the overhead traction system that provides power to high-speed trains. Moreover, noise barriers have been set up along about 297 kilometers of the alignment. These barriers are designed to minimize the noise from high-speed trains reaching surrounding areas.
17 river and 15 steel bridges completed
Under the project, construction of 17 river bridges and 15 steel bridges has been completed so far. Excavation of four mountain tunnels in Maharashtra has also been completed. Additionally, approximately 5 kilometers of tunneling using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) has been completed. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav previously stated that the first operational run of the high-speed rail could begin in August 2027. Initially, the service is planned to operate on the approximately 100-kilometer Surat-Vapi section. After this, the corridor will be opened in phases. After sections such as Vapi-Surat, Vapi-Ahmedabad, and Thane-Ahmedabad, the entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad section will be operational in the final phase.
Mumbai to Ahmedabad in 1.58 hours
Once the entire corridor is completed, the bullet train’s maximum operational speed could reach 320 kilometers per hour. According to the Railway Minister, the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, with four stops, could take approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. If the train stops at all 12 stations, the travel time is estimated to be approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. The next major target for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project to be fully completed is December 2029.