Mumbai, September 20, 2025 Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday announced a significant milestone in India’s ambitious bullet train project. He conducted the breakthrough of the first undersea tunnel section for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, marking a historic achievement for the country’s infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Vaishnaw confirmed that the first phase of the project will be operational in 2027, beginning with the Surat-Bilimora section. The high-speed rail line will further extend to Thane by 2028, and finally reach the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai by 2029.
“This is a proud moment for the country as we are taking a giant step towards modern, world-class rail infrastructure. The tunnel breakthrough is not just an engineering feat but a symbol of India’s growing capabilities in executing complex projects,” Mr. Vaishnaw said.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, also known as the High-Speed Rail Corridor, is India’s first initiative of its kind. With trains expected to run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, the journey between the two cities will be reduced to nearly two hours, compared to the current six to seven hours.
The 21-km tunnel, including a 7-km undersea stretch under Thane Creek, is one of the most challenging parts of the project. Officials said advanced Japanese tunneling technology has been deployed to ensure safety and precision.
Once completed, the bullet train will not only reduce travel time but also boost economic activity, create thousands of jobs, and significantly improve connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The project, being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) with technical and financial assistance from Japan, has faced delays in the past due to land acquisition and environmental clearance issues. However, officials now say that construction is progressing rapidly, with a clear timeline in place for phased completion.
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