Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project achieves 55% physical progress, target set for 2029

India’s first high speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad continues to advance steadily. According to the latest update from the Ministry of Railways, physical works have crossed the 55% mark while financial outlays are approaching 70% of the planned spend, with ₹85,801 crore utilised so far.

However, the rail project is expected to be completed by 2029, according to reports.

The 508-kilometre corridor, being developed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited with technical and financial cooperation from the Government of Japan, aims to link the two major cities with train services capable of 320 km/h speeds. 

According to the official updates, the foundation work has been completed over 412 km of the route, more than 405 km of piers erected, 344 km of girder casting done, and 330 km of girder launching carried out as of the end of November. 

Stations at major cities including Surat, Vadodara, Anand and Sabarmati are taking shape, with multimodal connectivity being integrated to link the high-speed line with local and regional transport networks. 

Challenges and project delays

Although progress has picked up in recent years, the project has been delayed from the original schedule. When the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail was launched in 2017, it was expected to be done by late 2023. However, delays in land acquisition — particularly in Maharashtra — and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic slowed early work and pushed timelines back. 

While land acquisition is now complete as of late 2025 after several years of effort, the time taken to secure sites and finalise contracts contributed to slips in initial targets and has led authorities to adopt a phased approach for testing and launch operations. 

Technology and future benefits

The project uses advanced Shinkansen technology from Japan, offering high reliability and passenger comfort. India’s first deployment of the next-generation E10 Shinkansen is planned for this corridor, highlighting the transfer of modern rail technology. 

Despite earlier challenges, work has maintained consistent momentum over the past year. Authorities are working toward interim commissioning targets, including partial operations on selected sections ahead of full corridor completion. 

When completed, the high speed rail corridor is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to under three hours, significantly boosting connectivity, business travel and economic activity across the western region.