India’s first bullet train likely to debut in August 2027; what we know so far

India is poised to enter the era of high-speed rail with the launch of its first bullet train project, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR). After years of planning, engineering design and construction, the ambitious project is reported;y now moving steadily towards completion. 

According to reports, the bullet train service is scheduled for launch in August 2027, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure.

The corridor will span 508 kilometres, linking Mumbai with Ahmedabad in less than three hours. At present, the same journey by conventional trains takes around seven to eight hours. 

Designed to international high-speed rail standards, the project is expected to significantly cut travel time while offering a faster and more reliable alternative for intercity movement.

Engineering Feats And Japanese Collaboration

The MAHSR project is being developed in collaboration with Japan and is specifically designed for the Shinkansen system, known globally for its safety and efficiency. Initial operations will deploy Shinkansen E5 series trains, with an operational speed of up to 320 km per hour, as reported by TOI.

The corridor involves several complex engineering components, including multiple tunnels, a 21-kilometre underground stretch and a 7-kilometre undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek. These features make the project one of the most technically challenging railway ventures undertaken in India so far.

Launch Timeline, Stations And Frequency

As per a recent announcement by the Ministry of Railways and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the first bullet train service will be flagged off on August 15, 2027. The inaugural run will operate on a 100-kilometre stretch between Surat and Vapi. Full operations across the entire corridor are expected to be completed by 2029.

The corridor will have 12 stations. In Maharashtra, stations will be located at Bandra Kurla Complex, Thane, Virar and Boisar. In Gujarat, stations will include Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Bullet trains are expected to run every 15 to 20 minutes, with officials projecting strong economic and regional development benefits due to faster connectivity.