India's Railway Ministry likely to sign Shinkansen Bullet trains purchase deal by next month

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The Indian Railways is on track to realize a historic milestone as it confidently sets the stage for the inaugural run of India's first bullet train in Gujarat by June-July 2026. The impending deal with Japan to procure the initial six Shinkansen trains is expected to be signed by the next month, marking a significant leap in India's high-speed rail journey.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is poised to accelerate progress, with plans to bid out all contracts, including train procurement and the operating system, by August 15, 2026. The much-anticipated bullet train project will link the bustling cities of Mumbai in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, with ongoing construction efforts propelling the endeavor forward.

As of January 2024, the overall physical progress of the project has reached approximately 40%, with Gujarat outpacing Maharashtra in advancements. Gujarat boasts an impressive 48.3% progress, while Maharashtra follows closely with 22.5%. Recent months have witnessed noteworthy progress in Maharashtra, as the state administration directs district collectors to expedite land handovers by month-end. The collective effort aims to compensate for earlier delays attributed to the Maharashtra government.

The 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed bullet train corridor promises diverse services, catering to different travel preferences. The corridor will feature both 'limited-stop' services, halting only at select stations, and 'all-stop' services, making stops at all stations along the route. The limited-stop services will complete the journey in a swift two hours, while their all-stop counterparts will take an additional forty-five minutes, providing flexibility for various passenger needs.

Over the past year, significant milestones have been achieved, with over 100 km of the viaduct (elevated stretch) completed and six river bridges constructed. The Gujarat portion of the route, encompassing 20 bridges, witnesses progress, with seven bridges already standing as a testament to the project's advancements.

The countdown to India's first bullet train launch marks a pivotal moment in the nation's rail infrastructure. With confidence in the project's trajectory and accelerating progress, the June-July 2026 inauguration heralds a new era in high-speed rail travel, connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad with unprecedented efficiency and speed. As the final pieces fall into place, India eagerly awaits the transformative impact of this cutting-edge transportation initiative.