Bullet Train Between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Be Operational by 2028, Says Fadnavis

Mumbai, April 29: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the highly anticipated Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, developed in collaboration with Japan, will become operational by 2028. The announcement came during his address at the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Summit 2025, held in Mumbai and organized by VRF.

Fadnavis confirmed that the USD 15 billion high-speed rail project is now progressing swiftly after experiencing delays during the 2020-2022 period, which he subtly attributed to the governance of the previous state administration under Uddhav Thackeray. “By 2028, we will be able to travel in the bullet train,” he said, admitting that Gujarat is currently ahead in terms of project implementation.

In a significant economic announcement, Fadnavis revealed that Maharashtra is seeking to raise USD 50 billion from global financiers to boost the state’s infrastructure development. He mentioned that detailed announcements regarding this major fundraising initiative would be made within the next four months.

Emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure to achieve Maharashtra’s goal of reaching a USD 1 trillion Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), Fadnavis highlighted that during his first tenure as CM from 2014 to 2019, the state invested USD 30 billion in infrastructure development. Now, even more investment is being mobilized to accelerate growth and modernization.

Among the major projects discussed was the Vadhavan Port, which is expected to become operational within 3 to 4 years. The port, being constructed on reclaimed land near JNPA (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority), is designed to reduce logistics costs and improve turnaround times. Importantly, the Vadhavan Port will also feature a dedicated bullet train halt, and an adjacent airport will be constructed, also on reclaimed land, to enhance global connectivity. “Many global cities have seafront airports, and Maharashtra will join that league,” Fadnavis added.

Fadnavis also outlined plans for a new highway connecting Nashik to the Vadhavan Port, linking 17 districts across the state and promoting economic integration. Additionally, the Shaktipeeth Highway, which will run from Nagpur to Goa, is aimed at uplifting backward regions and enhancing trade routes across Maharashtra.

The CM reiterated Maharashtra’s pivotal role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and assured that the state government is committed to building a comprehensive and efficient ecosystem for the project’s success.

Sanjeev Krishan, Country Chairperson of PwC India, also addressed the summit, stating that IMEC, when integrated with existing trade routes, would have a significant multiplier effect on the global economy.

With a vision rooted in infrastructure and global cooperation, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a strategic hub for the future of trade, transport, and development in the region.