Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Set for Next Year Inauguration, Confirms Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that India's first high-speed rail project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, will be inaugurated next year. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that the project would be ready for inauguration, though he did not specify an exact date.

The minister also addressed the delays that have plagued the project and responded to criticism from former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara, who earlier this year accused the Indian government of repeatedly breaking commitments and causing delays. The Indian government rejected those claims.

Vaishnaw emphasised the strong strategic relationship between India and Japan, noting that the bullet train project is being handled by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. He recalled that Nakano Hiromasa, the former minister in charge of the department, was "spellbound by the progress" when he visited the project a year and a half ago, impressed by the quality and speed of the work.

The Union Minister also shared that Japanese engineers involved in the project have said they will take some of the technologies used in India to their next bullet train project. He mentioned that the chairman of the International High Speed Rail Association, who had visited India for a summit, remarked that even Japan could not have completed the project in such a short time.

Explaining the reasons for the delay, Vaishnaw said that while the foundation stone was laid in 2017, the design work was highly complex and took one-and-a-half to two years. The COVID-19 pandemic further slowed progress. He also noted that former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had decided against having the bullet train stretch in Maharashtra, and the Japanese partners had refused to start construction unless permits for the entire project were granted.

Vaishnaw admitted, "We can't put the blame on a party. India as a whole, in that sense, was responsible." He stated that construction work finally began in 2021, and the project is now set for inauguration next year.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor is approximately 508 kilometres long and will connect India's financial capital with the largest city in Gujarat. The train is expected to run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, reducing travel time between the two cities to around two hours from the current six to seven hours. The project is estimated to cost over Rs 1 lakh crore and is being funded largely by a loan from Japan.

The project is a flagship initiative under the Make in India programme and is expected to significantly modernise Indian Railways. Despite the delays, the minister's announcement signals that the project is now on track for completion.