A major update has finally emerged regarding the country's much-awaited bullet train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified the timeline and phased launch of the bullet train project. According to the Railway Minister, India's first bullet train will be fully ready by August 15, 2027, after which it will be opened to passengers. The Railway Minister explained that the bullet train will not be launched simultaneously across the entire route, but in phases. This will allow for better technical testing, safety standards, and passenger convenience.
The bullet train will run between Surat and Bilimora first.
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the first section of the bullet train will be launched between Surat and Bilimora. This will be followed by the Vapi to Surat section, then Vapi to Ahmedabad, and subsequently Thane to Ahmedabad. In the final phase, the bullet train will begin operations on the entire corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Passengers will reap numerous benefits.
Traveling by bullet train will not only be faster but is also considered more environmentally friendly. State-of-the-art safety systems, comfortable coaches, and world-class amenities will be the hallmarks of this project. Following the Railway Minister's announcement, public excitement about the bullet train has increased even further. Now, all eyes are on 2027, when the country is set to receive the gift of its first high-speed bullet train. The Railway Minister stated that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project will be 508 kilometers long and is designed for train operations at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour. Once the entire corridor is operational, the bullet train will complete the journey from Mumbai to Ahmedabad in approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes.
The bullet train line will connect Sabarmati in Ahmedabad to Mumbai and is being developed as India's first high-speed rail corridor. It is worth noting that the project was launched in 2017, and its initial deadline was December 2023. However, it has been delayed due to land acquisition and other implementation issues. The Railway Minister also said that during the inauguration, the bullet train will now run on a longer section than previously planned. He said that during the inauguration in August 2027, the bullet train will now run on a 100-kilometer section between Surat and Vapi. Earlier, the inaugural service was planned to run on a 50-kilometer section between Surat and Bilimora within the same timeframe.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train also being launched
After the successful completion of high-speed trials of the indigenously developed Vande Bharat sleeper train, the Railways announced its route on the very first day of the new year. According to the Ministry of Railways, the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train will run between Guwahati and Kolkata. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it soon. The Railway Minister said that 2026 is the year of reforms. More such trains will be seen in the coming days. Therefore, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is a significant announcement from the government ahead of the West Bengal elections.
When will the Vande Bharat sleeper train start?
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will start in January itself. The inauguration is expected between January 15 and 20. The probable date is January 17 or 18. The operation of the Vande Bharat sleeper train will greatly facilitate travel for people from the Northeast to and from Kolkata.
How many Vande Bharat sleeper trains will run? The Railway Minister announced that eight more Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be introduced in the next six months, with a total of 12 trains expected to be operational throughout the year. The sleeper Vande Bharat trains have been designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering several advanced features that set them apart from other trains.
What will the fare for the Vande Bharat sleeper train be?
According to official information, the fare for a third AC ticket from Guwahati to Kolkata will be ₹2300, while a second AC ticket will cost ₹3000. A first AC ticket will be priced at ₹3600.
