New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, revealed on Thursday that India is set to introduce its inaugural Bullet Train on August 15, 2027.

The nation will see its first Bullet Train making its debut on the tracks next year, according to Vaishnaw.

“Prepare to purchase a Bullet Train ticket, as our first Bullet Train will launch on Independence Day in 2027,” he stated.

Vaishnaw noted the Vande Bharat Express chair car has instilled a renewed sense of confidence throughout the country, receiving widespread acclaim.

“We are receiving requests for Vande Bharat trains from every corner of India, with nearly every MP advocating for one. A new overnight journey will commence with the Vande Bharat Sleeper, upholding the same comfort, safety, and standards,” he added.

India’s pioneering Bullet Train project stretches 508 kilometers between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Of this distance, 352 km is located in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, while 156 km falls within Maharashtra.

The corridor is poised to connect key cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi, Thane, and Mumbai, and aims to reduce travel time between these major metros to approximately two hours, significantly enhancing inter-city travel.

According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL), over 85 percent of the corridor—around 465 km—is being constructed on elevated viaducts, with 326 km already completed.

In November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a thorough assessment of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project during his visit to Gujarat, marking a pivotal moment in India’s advancement towards modern transportation infrastructure.

During this visit, the Prime Minister evaluated the Surat station, a design influenced by the city’s globally recognized diamond industry. Standing 26.3 meters tall with a built-up area of 58,352 square meters, the station features three levels: the ground floor for parking and security screenings, the concourse level for lounges, restrooms, kiosks, and ticketing, and the platform level for passenger boarding.

While the structural work has been completed, finishing touches such as interior designs and station amenities are currently in progress. Additionally, track works, including the construction of the RC track bed and temporary track installation, have been finalized at the site.

Significant progress has also been made on river bridges, with 17 out of 25 bridges constructed. The 47-km Surat–Bilimora section is among the most developed segments, where civil works and track bed preparation are fully complete.