The first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, linking Surat and Vapi, is targeted to begin services in 2027. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026, while Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that an inauguration could take place around the middle of 2027.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) said the train being manufactured in India is expected to reach the tracks around April or May 2027. The train will undergo extensive testing before the section is opened for passenger services. The project began construction in 2021 and includes stations, bridges and other major works along the corridor.

Vaishnaw said the train has been designed and manufactured in India, with its intellectual property rights also held in the country. It is currently undergoing a squeeze test to assess the strength of its body. The bogie, car body and propulsion system are ready, while the designs for vehicle electronics and wheels have been completed.

Integration between the pantograph and overhead electrical system has also been completed, along with integration involving stations. NHSRCL said the car body, propulsion system, vehicle electronics, wheels and pantograph are among the major components being developed for the train.

Work is also progressing on the BKC-Thane underground tunnel. Both tunnel boring machines have been lowered through shafts, assembled and aligned for tunnelling. The preparatory stage allows the machines to begin horizontal excavation, with NHSRCL describing their positioning as one of the most difficult parts of the initial process.

The latest project timeline places completion of the Surat-Vapi section in December 2026, followed by the arrival of the train for testing in April or May 2027. The first section is aimed at commencing operations during 2027, subject to the completion of testing and other preparations.