Vande Bharat set to run on Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train track from 2027

News Source: english.gujaratsamachar.com

The first high-speed rail line in India, connecting Ahmedabad and Mumbai, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Trial runs of Vande Bharat trains are planned for 2027, followed by the start of passenger services.

The Vande Bharat trains on this corridor will run at 250 kmph, reducing the travel time between Ahmedabad and Mumbai to just three hours. Although these trains can reach a maximum speed of 280 kmph, they will initially operate at 250 kmph. Two trains, each with eight coaches, will operate on this track.

Currently, the fastest train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai takes around six hours to complete the journey.

According to a senior railway official, the bullet train corridor is nearly complete up to Surat-Bilimora, with construction now in its final stages. The construction work is planned to be completed by the end of this year, after which trial runs of the Vande Bharat trains are set to begin. A decision on the commencement of bullet train operations on this track will be taken soon.

According to the MoU, the initial cost of each coach from Japan was set at ₹16 crore. However, Japan has reportedly increased the price to ₹50 crore per coach, nearly three times the original cost, which would result in an expense of ₹800 crore for 16 coaches.

The decision regarding the introduction of bullet train coaches is pending. Vande Bharat trains will run on the bullet train corridor until a final decision is made.