India’s Bullet Train Project Cost Set to Surge to Almost ₹2 Lakh Crore

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Cost Nearly Doubles, Completion Pushed to 2029

India’s first bullet train—linking Mumbai and Ahmedabad—has turned out to be a lot pricier than anyone expected. The estimated cost has almost doubled, now sitting at ₹1.98 lakh crore. Satish Kumar, who heads the Railway Board, broke the news during a PRAGATI meeting. He explained the final estimate still needs Cabinet approval, which should happen soon, but that’s the number they’re working with right now.

Back when this project was announced, the price tag was closer to ₹1.08 lakh crore, and a big chunk of that—about ₹88,000 crore—was coming from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through low-interest loans. Now, with costs shooting up, JICA says they’re not putting in any more money. The Indian government has to pick up the rest. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), set up in 2016, is handling the whole thing—from raising money to building and running the train line.

Honestly, this bullet train has had more than its fair share of setbacks. Land acquisition has been a headache, and the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help either. The train was supposed to start running in 2022, but now the finish line has moved to the end of 2029. Instead of opening all at once, they’ll launch sections as they’re ready.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the first stretch—between Surat and Bilimora—will open on August 15, 2027. After that, it’s a phased rollout: Vapi-Surat, Vapi-Ahmedabad, and Thane-Ahmedabad. The last leg, Mumbai to Ahmedabad, will wrap up the full 508-kilometre corridor.

The route will have 12 stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. Once it’s up and running, travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will get a lot faster, and the hope is it’ll boost both connectivity and the regional economy. It’s also a huge step for India as it tries to bring its rail network up to global high-speed standards.

Even with the ballooning costs, the bullet train promises real change. Passengers get faster, safer, and more reliable trains, and cities along the route expect more business and growth. Opening the line in parts means people can start using some sections before the whole thing is finished.

The rising expenses aren’t exactly a surprise—big projects like this always run into trouble with land, material prices, and unexpected events like pandemics. Still, with the government backing it and NHSRCL keeping things on track, the project keeps moving forward. For India, this isn’t just another train—it’s a signal that high-speed rail is finally arriving.

Yes, it’s been delayed and yes, it’s costing a lot more, but the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train still stands out as a flagship project. Partial service is set for 2027, and the full route should be ready by 2029. Once finished, it’ll connect two of India’s biggest economic centers with speed, safety, and a new level of efficiency.