Bullet Train to Sabarmati from Maharashtra Expected by 2029: Rail Minister Updates on India’s First High-Speed Rail Project

India’s most ambitious transportation project—the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train—is moving steadily towards reality, with full-scale operations between Maharashtra and Sabarmati expected to commence by December 2029. This was confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a session of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Providing a detailed update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted significant progress, particularly on the Gujarat leg of the corridor, even as challenges remain on the Maharashtra stretch.
 

Gujarat Segment Nearing Completion

According to the minister, work on the Gujarat portion of the bullet train corridor, which spans between Vapi and Sabarmati, is projected to be completed by December 2027. The corridor runs through several regions, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

The Gujarat segment has shown consistent progress thanks to early clearances, faster land acquisition, and smoother coordination between the state government and implementing agencies.

The overall project, which covers a stretch of 508 kilometers, will ultimately connect Mumbai in Maharashtra to Sabarmati in Gujarat via 12 stations, offering an ultra-modern, high-speed rail experience that drastically cuts travel time and boosts economic connectivity between the two states.

Project Timeline: 2029 for Full Completion

The entire MAHSR project—from Maharashtra to Sabarmati—is now expected to be completed by December 2029, marking a new era in India’s rail infrastructure development.

“The Gujarat portion of the corridor between Vapi and Sabarmati is planned to be completed by December 2027. The entire project (including Maharashtra) is expected to be completed by December 2029,” Vaishnaw noted in his written reply to the Lok Sabha.

However, he clarified that the final timeline depends on multiple complex and technologically intensive factors such as civil construction, track laying, electrical systems, signaling, telecommunications, and the delivery of trainsets from Japan.

 

12-State-of-the-Art Stations Planned

The 508-km corridor will feature 12 cutting-edge stations, each designed for modern high-speed operations and intermodal connectivity. These include:

• In Maharashtra: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar
• In Gujarat: Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati

Each station is expected to become a hub for regional growth, with accompanying real estate development, improved last-mile connectivity, and job creation.

Japan’s Major Role in Funding and Technology
 

The bullet train project is being executed with significant financial and technical support from Japan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding 81% of the total cost, amounting to approximately ₹88,000 crore through a soft loan agreement.

The remaining 19% (₹20,000 crore) will be funded through equity contributions:

• 50% by the Ministry of Railways
• 25% each by the Government of Maharashtra and Government of Gujarat

Japan is also providing the Shinkansen technology, known for its world-class safety, speed, and reliability. Indian engineers and officials have received training in Japan to handle this massive leap in railway technology.

 

Financial Progress: Over ₹78,800 Crore Spent

As of June 30, 2025, the cumulative financial expenditure on the project has touched ₹78,839 crore, according to the Railway Ministry.

This includes the costs associated with land acquisition, civil works, utility shifting, station development, and the initial deployment of systems and rolling stock.

 

Challenges in Maharashtra

While the Gujarat section has moved ahead smoothly, the Maharashtra stretch—especially the portion in Mumbai—has faced hurdles related to land acquisition, environment clearances, and urban integration.

However, recent developments suggest that Maharashtra is now on board and actively working to meet the 2029 deadline. Joint efforts between the Railways and the Maharashtra government are underway to speed up pending work.
 

Transformational Impact Expected
 

The bullet train is expected to cut the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from nearly seven hours by conventional rail to just two hours, making it a game-changer for business, tourism, and regional development.

Apart from the obvious convenience, the project is anticipated to:

• Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs
• Boost allied industries like construction, logistics, and engineering
• Encourage technology transfer and upskilling of Indian manpower
• Catalyze infrastructure development along the corridor

Conclusion
 

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, once completed, will not just be a transportation marvel but a testament to India’s growing prowess in executing mega infrastructure projects. With a mix of Japanese precision and Indian execution, this high-speed rail corridor is all set to redefine the future of travel in the country.

While the road to completion involves many complex challenges, the confirmation of a December 2029 completion timeline offers optimism that India will soon join the select league of nations with operational bullet trains.