Is India’s First Bullet Train Finally Launching Soon?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's first bullet train will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
- Travel time will be reduced to 2 hours and 7 minutes.
- Trains will operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h.
- Significant railway projects are ongoing in Gujarat and beyond.
- 1,300 railway stations are being renovated across the country.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India’s inaugural bullet train service between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will begin operations "very soon," aiming to cut down travel time to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.
While addressing reporters at the Bhavnagar terminus in Gujarat after virtually inaugurating three trains—the Ayodhya Express, Rewa-Pune Express, and Jabalpur-Raipur Express—Vaishnaw emphasized the rapid progress of the bullet train project.
The Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai will have a direct connection to major cities in Gujarat, including Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, through a 508-kilometre high-speed rail corridor.
As per the minister, trains will operate at speeds reaching 320 km/h.
Vaishnaw also mentioned several upcoming railway projects in Gujarat, including a new train service between Porbandar and Rajkot, a Rs 135-crore coach maintenance facility at Ranavav station, a railway flyover in Porbandar, two Gati Shakti cargo terminals, and a container terminal at a developing port in Bhavnagar.
He highlighted the nation’s advancements, stating that over the past 11 years, approximately 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid under the administration of PM Narendra Modi, averaging nearly 12 km each day.
Vaishnaw described the renovation of 1,300 railway stations as an unparalleled achievement in the history of Indian Railways.
He pointed out that India is implementing these upgrades while maintaining ongoing train services and keeping stations operational, showcasing the vision of PM Modi. This stands in contrast to developed nations where station redevelopment often halts all services.
Furthermore, he mentioned the launch of modern train services like the Vande Bharat Express, Amrit Bharat Express, and Namo Bharat Express.
So far, eight Amrit Bharat trains, equipped with high-quality amenities and affordable fares, have been introduced.
According to the minister, passengers have shown a positive response to these modern trains, built using advanced technology.
He also noted that significant railway projects are progressing in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh with the support of double-engine governments, alongside the developments in Gujarat.