India's first bullet train is set to debut in 2026, as announced by Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The train, operating on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, marks a significant milestone in the country's transportation infrastructure. Major progress has been made in the construction of 12 stations and several bridges, with 290 kilometers of work already completed. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) shared updates on social media platform X, highlighting the progress in Ahmedabad, which includes two stations, a bridge over the Sabarmati River, and a train depot.
The ambitious project aims to revolutionize transport in India and is advancing swiftly despite some delays. Vaishnaw emphasized the complexity of the project, which required around two-and-a-half years to complete the design due to the high-speed requirements and the need to manage strong vibrations. The project utilizes Japan's Shinkansen technology, also known as the bullet train, and is expected to offer high-frequency mass transportation between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The 21-km-long tunnel, which includes a 7-km undersea stretch, is another notable aspect of the project.
The tunnel's deepest point is 56 meters, and the bullet train is designed to travel at speeds of 300-320 km/h within it. The Covid-19 pandemic caused minor setbacks in construction, particularly in Maharashtra during the Uddhav Thackeray government's tenure. However, work has resumed at a fast pace, to complete the first section of the bullet train in 2026. This project represents a major advancement in India's transportation sector and is expected to have a transformative impact on the region.
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