New Delhi, November 18: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that the inauguration of India's first bullet train will take place in August 2027, with the service initially operating on a 100-kilometer stretch between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat. This marks a revision from the earlier plan, where the initial phase was scheduled to cover a 50-kilometer distance between Surat and Bilimora within the same timeline.

The country's first 508-kilometer high-speed rail corridor is being constructed between Sabarmati in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, designed to accommodate bullet trains running at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The minister detailed the travel efficiency of the new system, stating that the train will cover the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in one hour and 58 minutes if it stops at four stations. However, if the service halts at all 12 stations, the complete journey will take two hours and 17 minutes.

Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Surat station, Vaishnaw noted that the Prime Minister was satisfied with the speed of construction. As per agency report, the Prime Minister remarked that the learnings derived from this project should be utilized not only in railways and other high-speed projects but also in various other sectors, highlighting that the initiative has seen consecutive innovations.

Describing the initiative as a complex project where the design remains the biggest challenge, the minister emphasized that the entire project is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2029. While the Railway Ministry has awarded a contract to a joint venture led by Siemens to install the signaling system on the corridor, industry experts have indicated that this system might not be suitable for the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train. Furthermore, the ministry has asked Bharat Earth Movers Limited to indigenously develop a high-speed train capable of running at a speed of 250 kilometers per hour.

New Delhi, November 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on engineers working on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project to systematically document their experiences so that the learning can be used in planning and implementing similar projects elsewhere in the country.

Modi interacted with engineers and other workers associated with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) project in Surat on Saturday and stressed that compiling these experiences in the form of a “blue book” would help India move decisively towards large-scale execution of bullet train networks, as per agency report. He underlined that the country should avoid repeating experiments from scratch and instead replicate and refine models that have already been tested, provided there is a clear understanding of why specific steps were taken.

He emphasised that such documentation would be meaningful only if it captured the reasoning behind every decision, warning that otherwise repetition could become directionless and ineffective. The prime minister suggested that keeping detailed records of the project’s journey would benefit future students and contribute to nation building, noting that those involved in the initiative have an opportunity to dedicate their efforts to the country and leave behind something of lasting value.

During the interaction, Modi reviewed the progress of the project, including adherence to speed and scheduling targets. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, workers assured him that the project is advancing smoothly without major difficulties.

An engineer from Kerala shared her experience of working at a noise barrier factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic units are being used for welding reinforcement bars. Modi asked her how she viewed the experience of contributing to India’s first bullet train and what she shared about this historic achievement with her family. She expressed pride in being part of the project, describing it as a dream assignment and a moment of honour for her family.

Reflecting on the spirit of service to the nation, the prime minister highlighted how the desire to work for the country and contribute something new can become a powerful source of motivation. He drew a parallel with India’s space journey, recalling the likely emotions of the scientists who launched the country’s first satellite and noting that today hundreds of satellites are being placed in orbit.

Another employee from Bengaluru, serving as a chief engineering manager, spoke about the stringent design and engineering control processes followed in the project. She explained that at every stage of implementation, her team evaluates the advantages and disadvantages, identifies solutions and explores alternatives to ensure flawless execution.

The MAHSR project spans approximately 508 kilometres, with about 352 kilometres passing through Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 kilometres through Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in India’s transport infrastructure.

The project is being built with advanced engineering techniques in line with international standards. Around 465 kilometres of the alignment, or roughly 85 per cent of the route, is designed on viaducts to minimise land disruption and enhance safety. So far, 326 kilometres of viaduct work has been completed and 17 out of 25 river bridges have been constructed.

Once operational, the bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to about two hours, making inter-city travel faster, more convenient and more comfortable. The project is also anticipated to boost trade, tourism and economic activity along the entire corridor, thereby accelerating regional development.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on Saturday to review the progress of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project, one of India’s most significant infrastructure initiatives. During the visit, he will inspect the under-construction bullet train station in Surat and assess the overall advancement of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), as per agency report.

The MAHSR corridor spans approximately 508 kilometres, with 352 kilometres falling within Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, while the remaining 156 kilometres are located in Maharashtra. The high-speed route will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in India’s transportation network.

Constructed using advanced engineering techniques that adhere to international standards, the project features nearly 465 kilometres of viaducts, accounting for about 85 percent of the route. This design ensures minimal land disruption and enhanced safety. So far, around 326 kilometres of bridge work has been completed, along with the construction of 17 out of 25 river bridges.

Once completed, the bullet train project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, bringing the two major cities closer and contributing to faster regional connectivity.

Bhavnagar, August 3 — Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Sunday that India's first bullet train service between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is set to launch soon, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Speaking at Bhavnagar Terminus, where he flagged off the Ayodhya Express, Rewa-Pune Express, and Jabalpur-Raipur Express digitally, the minister highlighted the rapid progress of the high-speed rail project. The event also saw the participation of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who jointly inaugurated the train services.

Vaishnaw stated, “The first bullet train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will begin operations very soon. Work on the project is progressing rapidly, and once operational, the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will take only 2 hours and 7 minutes.”

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will cover a total distance of 508 kilometers, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat. Starting from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, the train will run at a speed of 320 km/h and stop at key stations including Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

New Delhi, March 2: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, India’s first bullet train initiative, is progressing rapidly across Gujarat and Maharashtra. While the focus remains on these two states, an important component of the project has a direct connection to Hapur, Uttar Pradesh.

As per agency report, a 200-meter-long ‘Make in India’ steel bridge, crucial for the bullet train’s route near Nadiad, Gujarat, has been manufactured in Hapur. Transporting this massive bridge to its installation site required a 1,200-kilometer journey, during which it was split into approximately 700 segments and carried on trailers. The first span of this bridge is set to be launched this month, with full completion targeted by August 2025.

The bridge is being constructed over National Highway-48, which connects Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. It will be 14.3 meters wide, 14.6 meters high, and weigh around 1,500 metric tons. The structure is being assembled using the Tor Shear Type High-Strength Bolt technology, ensuring durability for over 100 years.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project includes 28 steel bridges, with 17 in Gujarat and 11 in Maharashtra. These steel girders are essential for maintaining the bullet train’s maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The project, managed by National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), involves the construction of a 508-kilometer high-speed rail line, with 352 kilometers in Gujarat, 156 kilometers in Maharashtra, and 4 kilometers in Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The bullet train will operate across 12 stations, with a top design speed of 350 kilometers per hour, although its operational speed will be 320 kilometers per hour. Once the project is completed, the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be reduced to just two hours, significantly enhancing connectivity and offering a faster, more efficient mode of transportation.

New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday shared a video of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad 'Bullet train' corridor which will cut the travel time on the 508 km route between the two cities to a mere 2 hours.

"Stay tuned for #BulletTrain in Modi 3.0!," the minister posted on X.

The video highlights some of the features of the state-of-the-art train project being built with an investment of Rs 1.08 lakh crore. These include:

The Bullet train is expected to touch a maximum speed of 320 kilometres per hour on the route.

The corridor will feature a slab track system, a technology to be used for the first time in India.

As many as 24 river bridges, 28 steel bridges, and seven mountain tunnels are being erected for the Bullet train route.

*The corridor will also have a 7 km undersea tunnel

The video describes the project as "a marvel of world-class engineering" and the "future of India."

New Delhi : The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has completed the construction of the first steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor in Surat city, Gujarat. The bridge is located over National Highway-53 and is 70 meters long and 673 metric tons in weight.

This is the first of 28 steel bridges that are planned to be built along the corridor. NHSRCL spokesperson Sushma Gaur said that about 70,000 metric tons of steel will be used in the construction of these steel bridges.

The steel bridge is a significant milestone in the development of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, which is India's first bullet train project. The corridor is expected to be completed by 2026 and will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from over six hours to just two hours.

The steel bridge is also a testament to India's growing expertise in infrastructure development. The bridge was constructed using Japanese expertise and Indian indigenous technological and material capabilities, in line with the Make-in-India vision.

The NHSRCL is using steel bridges for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor because they are considered to be the most suitable type of bridge for crossing national highways, expressways, and railway lines. Steel bridges are also more durable and require less maintenance than other types of bridges.

The completion of the first steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor is a major achievement for the NHSRCL and the Indian government. It is a sign of India's commitment to developing world-class infrastructure and to providing its citizens with the best possible transportation options.