Construction of India’s first high-speed rail project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, is progressing predominantly on elevated tracks across Maharashtra. A 135.45 km stretch from Shilphata in Thane district to Zaroli village near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border is under development, with approximately 124 km running on viaducts and bridges through urban and semi-urban areas including Thane, Virar, and Boisar. This route includes the construction of 36 bridges and crossings, featuring 12 steel bridges that span active railway lines, highways, and rivers.
Among the key river crossings are the Vaitarna River bridge at about 2.32 km in length, the Ulhas River
bridge measuring 460 meters, and the Jagani River bridge spanning approximately 510 meters. These structures are integral to maintaining the elevated route’s continuity over geographical obstacles and populated zones.
Bullet Train Features Include High Speed and Enhanced Passenger Amenities
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will operate at speeds up to 280 km/h, making it India’s fastest rail service once functional. Trains will be fully air-conditioned with seating designed to recline and rotate, enhancing passenger comfort. Onboard amenities include advanced infotainment systems. The coaches will also incorporate features to assist differently abled passengers, ensuring accessibility across the service.
Project Cost Increased Due to Land Acquisition Delays; Completion Phased
Initial estimates placed the project cost around ₹1.1 lakh crore, but revised projections have
nearly doubled to ₹2.1 lakh crore. Indian Railways attributes this escalation primarily to delays in land acquisition within Maharashtra, which have impacted project timelines and expenditures. The full Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is targeted for completion by 2030. The first operational segment, connecting Surat and Bilimora in Gujarat, is scheduled to commence service in August 2027.
Indian Government Plans Additional Bullet Train Corridors
Following the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, the government is preparing to launch further high-speed rail lines. Proposed routes include Bengaluru-Chennai, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, and Bengaluru-Pune-Mumbai corridors to expand India’s high-speed rail infrastructure beyond the current project.
