“We should avoid repeating experiments again and again, and instead we should build our learning from the existing models. Whatever we are doing today, a blue book should be made for it, so that in the future we can work on an even larger scale and at an even faster pace.”
This was said by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited the under-construction bullet train station in Surat on 16 November. During this visit, he also interacted with the engineering and other department teams working there and discussed their experiences.
India’s biggest project, the bullet train, is actually starting from Gujarat itself. Its route will go from Ahmedabad in Gujarat to Mumbai in Maharashtra, because of which the travel time between these two major cities will be reduced by 2 hours.
Now when did this project start and what deadline has been kept for it? Where and when will its first trial begin? And how this project is going to give new opportunities to lakhs of Gujarati families and businessmen – this is what we will understand today through Gujpreneur.
India’s First Bullet Train Project
This bullet train project was started in 2017 when the Prime Ministers of India and Japan together launched it. During the Covid period, the project slowed down, but from 2021, it started working again at double speed.
More than half of India’s ambitious bullet train project has been completed. If everything goes well, then before 2029 you will experience a new kind of journey when the bullet train runs between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
A team of experienced engineers from across India is working on this project, and one of the lead engineers is Shruti. During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Surat’s bullet train station, Shruti had said:
“At every stage, our team reviews pros and cons, identifies solutions, and explores alternatives for flawless delivery. Working on India’s first bullet train is a dream project and a proud moment for my family.”
Now this dream project is not only Shruti’s, but it is a dream for all of us, and when the country’s first bullet train runs, the whole world will be watching.
Bullet Train Project Progress
If we talk about the progress of this bullet train project, its track will be 508 km long between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Out of this, 358 km of track will pass through Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and the remaining 156 km will be in Maharashtra. Its route will be like this:
- Sabarmati
- Ahmedabad
- Anand
- Vadodara
- Bharuch
- Surat
- Bilimora
- Vapi
- Boisar
- Virar
- Thane
- Mumbai
In this, the Surat station work is almost completed and in the coming year, or by maximum 2027, we will see the first bullet train trial from Surat to Bilimora station.
Bullet Train Project Progress in Surat
Recently, PM Modi inspected the bullet train project in the Surat district of Gujarat. This Surat station is being built on three levels. Each level will have different facilities.
- Ground Level:
This first level is called the ground or basement level. Here you will get parking, pick-and-drop areas, security checking, lifts and escalators.
- Concourse Level:
This is the second level, and here passengers will get ticket counters, waiting lounges, kiosks, and toilet facilities.
- Rail Level:
This is the third and final level, from where the bullet train will run. If you want to board the bullet train, it will depart from this level.
This station is being built in Antroli village of Surat. The biggest advantage is that it is well connected with other transport systems. Metro station, city bus stand, local bus stop, and railway station are all nearby, which makes it easy for anyone to reach here.
How will it boost Gujarat’s Economy?
If such a big project is happening at one place, then naturally both the country’s and Gujarat’s economy will get a boost. As a Surat businessman said,
“Tourism, hospitality, and commercial property demand will all see a new pace. Surat will become the city everyone wants to connect to.”
This is not just a prediction – it has already started happening. Land prices around the project site in Surat are rising quickly. Big hotels and restaurants have already started opening there. From station-side businesses to MSMEs, everyone is starting to benefit. Let us look at this through Gujpreneur.
- Bullet Train Station-Side Business
The first businesses that will pick up speed are the thousands of small shops and local businesses opening near the station. For example:
- Hotels, hostels, and homestays
- Restaurants, cafes, and other food outlets
- Transport systems like e-rickshaws, shuttles, app-based cabs, and bikes
- Local cultural item shops
These are just a few examples – the possibilities are huge.
- Travel Business
When people arrive at any place, they will not just ride the bullet train and return. Many will want to do sightseeing or visit nearby tourist spots. So tourism packages and guides will also have a big scope.
- MSME Sector
MSME is the sector that became involved the moment the bullet train project began, and lakhs of Gujarati families and businesses are already benefiting. Whether it is fabrication or electrical fittings –
“For many of us, the bullet train wasn’t just a project – it became a business lifeline.”
– Rakesh Patel, Surat-based fabrication entrepreneur
There are many such businesses that are growing because of the bullet train project. Whether it is the textile industry, commercial complexes, drone-monitoring startups, or corporate day-trips – Gujarati businessmen and people are benefiting from every direction.
