India’s first high-speed rail line between Ahmedabad and Mumbai is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Trial runs of the Vande Bharat train are planned for 2027, followed by passenger services.
The Vande Bharat on this corridor will run at a speed of 250 kmph, allowing the train to cover the Ahmedabad-Mumbai distance in just 3 hours. Although the train’s maximum speed is 280 kmph, it will initially operate at 250 kmph. Two trains with eight coaches each will run on this track.
According to a media report, that the bullet train corridor is almost complete up to the Surat-Bilimora section, and final construction work is in progress. Once completed later this year, trial runs will begin. The exact date for launching bullet train services is yet to be decided.
Originally, Japan had agreed to supply coaches at ₹16 crore each as per the MoU. However, they have now increased the price to ₹50 crore per coach, which would cost ₹800 crore for 16 coaches. Since a final decision on this is still pending, Vande Bharat trains will run on the bullet train track for now.