Archive · 23 Sep 2026
How India's 320 Kmph Bullet Train Changes Tracks Smoothly
India is building a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The train may travel as fast as 320 kmph.
Trains sometimes need to move from one track to another using a turnout.
A normal track change can cause bumps and shaking at very high speeds.
The new system keeps the track tilted, or banked, during the change.
This helps the train move between tracks more smoothly.
Machines called point machines move and lock the track parts in place.
The first section is expected to be ready by December 2026, with services between Surat and Vapi planned for August 15, 2027.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will use canted turnouts for smoother high-speed track changes.
Canted turnouts maintain track banking, reducing sudden forces, vibration and passenger discomfort.
Point machines move and lock turnout components to select the train’s route.
The 508-km corridor is designed for speeds of up to 320 kmph.
The first section is expected by December 2026, with Surat-Vapi services targeted for August 15, 2027.
- Who
- The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) is constructing the corridor, with the Ministry of Railways involved in the operations target.
- What
- A canted-turnout and point-machine system will allow bullet trains to change tracks safely and smoothly at high speed.
- When
- The first section is expected by December 2026; services on the planned Surat-Vapi section are targeted for August 15, 2027, and the full corridor is expected by December 2029.
- Where
- The technology is being installed on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, which will connect Mumbai in Maharashtra with Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
- Why
- Maintaining track banking during a turnout is intended to reduce sudden forces, vibration, passenger discomfort, and wear at speeds of up to 320 kmph.
- Corridor length
- 508 km
- Maximum operating speed
- Up to 320 kmph
- Track-switching technology
- Canted turnouts that maintain track banking
- Route
- Mumbai to Ahmedabad through Maharashtra and Gujarat
- Priority section
- Surat-Vapi, approximately 100 km
- Priority-section target
- Services targeted for August 15, 2027
- Full-corridor target
- Expected completion by December 2029
- Additional infrastructure
- Eight mountain tunnels and 16 ventilated hoods
