First 'Made-in-India' bullet train to be ready soon. Check when you can book tickets for Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail

India’s ambitious high-speed rail project has reached a significant milestone, with the government confirming that the first stretch of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor will operate using an indigenous bullet train. The trainset, known as B28, is currently being manufactured by BEML and is expected to begin operations in August 2027.

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The update was shared by the Ministry of Railways in a report submitted to a parliamentary standing committee on railways.

Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train: First Operations Planned on Surat–Vapi Stretch

According to the ministry, the initial operations of the bullet train will begin on the 97 km Surat–Vapi section of the corridor. This stretch will serve as the first operational segment of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.

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The government stated that the decision has been taken to deploy the B28 Bharat-made bullet train, capable of speeds up to 280 kmph, while work on other advanced trainsets continues.

Officials explained that the project involves complex technology transfer and procurement from Japan and other countries, as the corridor is based on Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail technology.

Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train: Why India Will Use the B28 Trainset First

The parliamentary committee was informed that Japan is currently developing the E10 series of Shinkansen trains, and detailed information about their deployment timeline is still not available.

Because of this, authorities have decided to begin operations with the domestically manufactured B28 bullet train.

The trainsets are being produced by BEML as part of India’s efforts to boost indigenous manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported high-speed rail technology.

Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train: Signalling and Infrastructure Work Underway

The railway ministry also confirmed that work on alternative signalling systems has already started.

These signalling systems are based on ETCS Level 2 technology, which is widely used for modern high-speed rail operations. Tenders for the system have already been awarded, and implementation has begun.

Authorities noted that the exact timeline for full project completion will depend on several infrastructure components, including:

• Civil structures
• High-speed tracks
• Electrical systems
• Signalling and telecommunication networks
• Supply of trainsets

Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train: Why the Project Cost Has Increased

The ministry informed the parliamentary panel that the original estimated cost of the project was Rs 97,636 crore in December 2015, based on the initial feasibility report.

However, several factors that were not included in the early estimates have contributed to significant cost escalation.

Key reasons include:

• Taxes and cess: Rs 29,330 crore
• Utility shifting: Rs 2,625 crore
• Station approach development: Rs 2,195 crore
• Power sourcing arrangements: Rs 1,250 crore
• Indigenous trains and ETCS signalling system: Rs 16,500 crore
• Ticketing systems: Rs 283 crore
• Forest clearance charges: Rs 400 crore

In addition, inflation and rising production costs since 2015 have added Rs 19,084 crore to the project expenses.

Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train: Rising Land Costs Also Impact Budget

Another major factor behind the cost increase is the rise in land acquisition costs, especially in densely populated urban areas.

According to the ministry, land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation costs have reached Rs 16,695 crore, largely due to high land prices in cities such as Mumbai.

The revised cost estimate for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail line is currently under review and awaiting final approval.

Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train: A Key Step in India’s High-Speed Rail Future

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is India’s first bullet train corridor and a flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming intercity travel.

Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, while also introducing world-class high-speed rail technology to India.

With the indigenous B28 bullet train now planned for the first operational stretch, the project marks an important step towards building domestic capability in high-speed rail manufacturing.


Inputs from agencies