Archive · 29 Aug 2026
India’s Indigenous Bullet Train Project Nears First Launch
India is building its first very fast train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The first small section may open between Surat and Bilimora later this year.
The entire project is expected to be finished in 2030.
Japan is helping fund the project and provide technology support.
India also wants to make some of the trains inside the country.
BEML is building two prototype trains for this purpose.
These trains could travel at up to 280 kmph.
They will have comfortable seats, entertainment screens and special facilities for passengers with disabilities.
India’s first bullet train is expected to begin operating between Surat and Bilimora in the latter half of this year.
The full Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is expected to be completed in 2030.
The ₹1.1 lakh crore project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and developed with Japanese technology support.
BEML received an ₹866.87 crore contract to design and build two indigenous eight-coach prototype trainsets.
The trains are planned to reach 280 kmph and include air conditioning, infotainment, reclining seats and facilities for divyangjans.
- Who
- The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited is developing the project, with BEML building indigenous train prototypes and Japanese technology support.
- What
- India is preparing to launch its first high-speed bullet train service and develop domestically manufactured trainsets.
- When
- The first Surat-Bilimora section is expected to open in the latter half of this year, while the full project is expected in 2030.
- Where
- The main route will connect Ahmedabad and Mumbai; the initial section will run between Surat and Bilimora, and indigenous trains are being developed in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The project aims to establish India’s first high-speed rail service and produce bullet trains domestically.
- Main route
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad
- First operating section
- Surat-Bilimora
- Expected initial launch
- Latter half of this year
- Full project target
- 2030
- Project funding
- ₹1.1 lakh crore from the Japan International Cooperation Agency
- Indigenous train contract
- ₹866.87 crore awarded to BEML by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
- Prototype capability
- Two eight-coach trainsets designed to reach 280 kmph