Bullet train to be ready by August 2027: Vaishnaw

The North News

New Delhi, January 1

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said India’s bullet train project will be ready by 15 August 15, 2027, with operations being rolled out in phases. Speaking on Thursday, Vaishnaw said the first section to become operational would be between Surat and Bilimora. This will be followed by the opening of the Vapi–Surat section, then Vapi–Ahmedabad, Thane–Ahmedabad and finally the full Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor.

The minister also said that testing and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train had been completed. Its first proposed route will be between Guwahati and Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper service on the Guwahati–Kolkata route in the coming days.

Vaishnaw described the completion of testing as a major milestone for Indian Railways, saying the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat train would offer world-class facilities, enhanced safety and a modern travel experience for long-distance overnight journeys.