Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Imagine leaving Mumbai after breakfast and reaching Ahmedabad just in time for lunch, without the fatigue of road travel or flight delays. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train
project, India’s first high-speed rail corridor, is set to make this real, expectedly by 2027. While trial runs are expected to begin next year, Indian ambassador to Japan Sibi George has stated in as many words that “there will be a train running on that corridor by 2027.”
Designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 kmph, India’s bullet trains will slash travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just over 2 hours, a huge leap from the current 6-7 hours by road or conventional train. Covering a distance of roughly 508 kilometres, the project aims to bring Japanese Shinkansen technology to Indian tracks, promising world-class safety, comfort, and punctuality. The route will feature 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, among others, with some stations offering multimodal transport hubs for easy onward connectivity.
The bullet train will not only save time but also enhance business and tourism opportunities between two of India’s busiest regions. It will include modern onboard amenities, plush seating, and seamless ticketing through digital platforms. Once operational, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is expected to become a symbol of India’s infrastructure transformation, marking a new era in how the country travels and connects.
Which Stations Will The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Cover?
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will run on a 508-km corridor with 12 stations planned along the route. These are:
- Mumbai (BKC) – Starting terminal in the Bandra-Kurla Complex
- Thane
- Virar
- Boisar
- Vapi
- Bilimora
- Surat
- Bharuch
- Vadodara
- Anand/Nadiad
- Ahmedabad – Main terminal in the city
- Sabarmati – Final station with a major multimodal transport hub
How many stations will the high speed rail network have in Maharashtra?
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will have four stations in Maharashtra:
- Mumbai (Bandra-Kurla Complex – BKC) – The starting point and main terminal in Mumbai’s financial hub, built entirely underground.
- Thane – An important stop catering to the densely populated Thane district.
- Virar – Serving the fast-growing suburban and industrial areas of Palghar district.
- Boisar – Close to the Tarapur industrial hub, connecting key manufacturing zones.
How many stations will the bullet train network have in Gujarat?
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will have eight stations in Gujarat, each strategically chosen to boost connectivity and development:
- Vapi – The first stop in Gujarat, serving the industrial belt of Valsad district.
- Bilimora – Connecting South Gujarat and acting as a gateway to the popular Saputara hill station.
- Surat – One of India’s fastest-growing cities, known for diamonds and textiles, with a high expected passenger demand.
- Bharuch – Serving the chemical and industrial hub of Gujarat.
- Vadodara – A major cultural and commercial center, also a junction for central Gujarat.
- Anand/Nadiad – Known as the milk capital of India, connecting the Amul dairy region.
- Ahmedabad – The main terminal in Gujarat’s largest city, a hub for business and culture.
- Sabarmati – Designed as a modern multimodal transport hub linking the bullet train to Ahmedabad’s metro, rail, and road networks.
What Will Be The Total Length Of The Journey?
The total length of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train journey will be approximately 508 kilometers.
At full speed (up to 320 kmph), the train will cover this distance in about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on whether it is a non-stop service or halts at major stations like Surat and Vadodara.
How Much Time Does It Take Between Mumbai And Ahmedabad By Road Or Train?
Currently, traveling between Mumbai and Ahmedabad takes:
By Road (Car/Bus): Around 8–10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions on the Mumbai–Vadodara Expressway and NH48.
By Train (Conventional Rail): Around 6–7 hours on express trains such as Vande Bharat or Double Decker Express.
In comparison, the bullet train will cut this travel time down to just 2–2.5 hours, making it the fastest and most efficient option once operational.
What Are The Bullet Train Fares Likely To Be?
According to some reports, a full journey from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on board the bullet train is expected to cost between Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000, based on the railway fares and AC fares. A shorter journey, say between BKC and Thane may cost less.
However, there has been no official announcement on the bullet train ticket costs yet.
Typically, a 500-km journey on the bullet train in Japan costs around Rs 8,000 or more. A luxury class ticket, however, costs higher, and can go to around Rs 20,000 for the same journey.
