India’s first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor spanning 508 kilometers, has been delayed beyond its initial 2022 completion target. The first segment, running between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat, is now anticipated to open by the end of 2027, with full corridor completion pushed to 2029.
Delays Caused by Land Acquisition and Pandemic
Project setbacks stem from prolonged challenges with land acquisition, which slowed construction after initial commencement. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted work, delaying progress across the corridor. These factors combined have extended the timeline by several years beyond original projections.
India’s Indigenous Bullet Train Development
India is developing its own high-speed train called the B28 through
state-owned Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) based in Bengaluru. Two B28 trainsets are under production with a design speed of 280 kmph and an expected maximum operating speed of 250 kmph. Manufacturing completion is targeted for April 2027, followed by testing scheduled between May and July 2027. The B28 is planned to enter commercial operation in December 2027, initially serving the Surat-Vapi segment.
Japanese Technology and Partnership Challenges
The project was originally framed around Japanese Shinkansen technology, with the E10 Shinkansen trainset, signalling system, and Operation Control Centre intended to be sourced from Japan. However, the E10 trainset remains under development and is not expected
before 2034. India’s pivot to indigenous rolling stock has introduced increased complexity, requiring extensive trials and training. Final arrangements for the Japanese signalling and control systems are still under negotiation amid tensions between Indian authorities and Japanese partners over project execution.
Expert Insight on Project Complexity and Timeline
Masafumi Shukuri, chairman of the International High-Speed Rail Association (IHRA) and head of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute, stated that constructing a 500-km high-speed rail line within 10 years is a significant challenge even for Japan. “Now, let’s just say today Japan decides to make a high-speed rail track of 500km. It is not possible to complete
it in 10 years. Even today Japan cannot do it… I think from this perspective, given the different conditions, building a high-speed rail of 500 km long in India is a big deal,” he said. Shukuri emphasized the importance of extensive testing, personnel training, and developing technical expertise to ensure the safety, reliability, and stability of India’s indigenous trains before commercial launch.
