India to open first section of bullet train corridor in 2027 as construction gathers pace

India is expected to inaugurate the first operational section of its maiden high-speed bullet train corridor in 2027, marking a significant milestone for one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects.

After facing multiple delays over the past few years, officials from the Railway Ministry have said that construction has picked up pace and a considerable amount of work has now been completed on the Surat–Vapi section of the corridor.

The stretch forms part of the 508-kilometer Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, India's first bullet train network being developed with technical and financial assistance from Japan.

The Surat–Vapi segment has emerged as one of the most advanced portions of the corridor, with major progress reported in civil works, bridge construction and station development. The government expects this section to become the first operational leg of the project before the entire corridor is commissioned.

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The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has encountered delays due to land acquisition issues, regulatory approvals and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, construction activity has accelerated over the past two years, particularly in Gujarat, where most of the land acquisition has been completed.

Once fully operational, the high-speed rail line will allow trains to run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, significantly reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad while introducing Japan's renowned Shinkansen technology to India.

The project is seen as a cornerstone of India's push to modernise its transport infrastructure and strengthen high-speed rail connectivity as part of the country's broader economic development strategy.