Bullet Train Fares To Match Rail And Air Travel: Vaishnaw

India’s first bullet train won’t be “luxury only.”

That’s the message from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who said Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail fares will be competitive with existing train and air travel.

The aim, he said, is to make the service accessible — not exclusive.

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project, India’s flagship high-speed rail corridor, has faced questions around cost and affordability since its launch. Now, the government says pricing will be structured to attract regular travellers, not just premium flyers.

In simple terms: fast, but not unaffordable.

Why this matters: If fares match AC train or flight tickets, the bullet train could significantly change intercity travel patterns. Time savings may attract business travellers and middle-class commuters alike.

The corridor is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to around two hours.

There’s also a larger economic angle. High-speed rail projects create jobs during construction, boost regional connectivity, and reshape urban growth along the corridor.

But affordability will determine adoption.

Speed impresses.

Pricing decides success.