Bullet Train / India's indigenous bullet train will run between Mumbai-Ahmedabad, what will be its speed?

The first bullet train in India is set to run on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor in Maharashtra, but Japanese Shinkansen trains are being delayed. Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has invited tenders for signalling systems for Vande Bharat trains, which will allow these trains to run at speeds of 280 kmph by 2027.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 22, 2025, 02:20 PM
Bullet Train: The dream of the first bullet train in India is now slowly moving towards reality. This bullet train is going to operate between Mumbai to Ahmedabad in Maharashtra, which will act as a high-speed corridor. However, the delay in the purchase of Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains has forced the Railway Ministry to take a new step. The ministry has invited tenders for a signaling system that will allow Vande Bharat trains to run at a maximum speed of 280 kmph on this route. With this decision, it is expected that until the Shinkansen bullet trains come to India, Vande Bharat trains will run at high speed on this route.

Shinkansen bullet trains delayed

The Indian Railway Ministry had earlier claimed that Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains would start on the Surat-Bilimora segment by August 2026, but now it is clear that the operation of these trains in India will not be possible before 2030. According to a Times of India report, sources say that the operation of these trains on the entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is unlikely to start before 2033. The project started in 2017, when its foundation stone was laid.

India's indigenous bullet train: Vande Bharat

Despite the delay in the arrival of the Shinkansen bullet train in India, the National High Speed ​​Rail Corporation (NHRSCL) has taken a step in a new direction. They have floated tenders for the signaling system for Vande Bharat trains on the bullet train corridor. These Vande Bharat trains are being developed as India's indigenous bullet trains. These trains will be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2, which is different from Japan's DS-ATC signaling system. Through this signaling system, the target is to run Vande Bharat trains at a speed of 280 kmph.

Vande Bharat trains: Starting in 2027

After the deployment of the signalling system, commercial operation of Vande Bharat trains on this corridor is likely to start in 2027. A seven-year contract period has been set for this, which will come into effect from the date of award of work. During this period, the design, manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of signalling and train control systems will be done. This will ensure that Vande Bharat trains can run safely and smoothly on the high-speed corridor.

Conclusion

The dream of bullet train in India has now taken a completely new turn. Shinkansen trains may be late now, but through Vande Bharat trains, India has proved its indigenous technical capability. The operation of these trains will not only develop the country's railways, but will also add a new chapter to India's high-speed rail network.