Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on August 3 that India’s first bullet train—connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad—is set to launch soon.
Virtually flagging off the Ayodhya Express, Rewa-Pune Express, and Jabalpur-Raipur Express from Bhavnagar, Vaishnaw said the high-speed rail will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just two hours and seven minutes. “The project is progressing rapidly, and the train service will commence very soon,” he added.
Key Details of India’s First Bullet Train:
- Route: Mumbai (BKC) to Ahmedabad
- Distance: 508 km
- Stops: Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad
- Speed: 320 km/h
Updates on Railway Development Projects
Vaishnaw also announced a series of new railway initiatives in Gujarat, including:
- A new train between Porbandar and Rajkot
- ₹135 crore coach maintenance facility at Ranavav station
- A railway flyover in Porbandar
- Two Gati Shakti cargo terminals
- A container terminal at the upcoming port in Bhavnagar
In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, several new railway projects are also underway, driven by what Vaishnaw called the “double-engine government.”
National Progress in Rail Infrastructure
Highlighting the progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the minister said:
- 34,000 km of new tracks have been laid over 11 years
- Around 12 km of new railway lines are built every day
- 1,300 railway stations are being redeveloped—an unprecedented effort in Indian Railways’ history
Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat & Namo Bharat
Vaishnaw also shared updates on new-generation trains:
- Amrit Bharat Express: 8 trains launched, featuring modern tech with affordable fares
- Vande Bharat & Namo Bharat: Continued expansion with enthusiastic passenger response
“These trains reflect the emotional connection people now have with India’s evolving railway network,” he said.