1000 New Trains in 5 Years, Bullet Train by 2027, and Make in India Rolling Stock Leading the Way

In an exclusive interaction, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Communications and Electronics & IT, shared key insights into Indian Railways’ ambitious roadmap for the future. From launching 1,000 new trains and operationalizing India’s first Bullet Train by 2027, to driving large-scale station redevelopment and boosting domestic manufacturing under ‘Make in India’—the Minister outlined a bold, transformative vision. This candid conversation offers a comprehensive look into how Indian Railways is gearing up to become a modern, efficient, and globally competitive transport powerhouse.

Let's begin with the big announcement — Indian Railways plans to launch 1,000 new trains in the next five years. Could you elaborate on that?

Yes, Indian Railways is gearing up for a massive expansion. We aim to launch 1,000 new trains over the next five years to meet the rising passenger demand and to improve connectivity across the country. This initiative will help strengthen our capacity and ensure more accessible, comfortable travel for millions of citizens.

That’s ambitious! What’s the latest update on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) project?

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is progressing at a good pace. So far, we've completed 275 km of pier work, and significant construction is underway, including bridges and tunnels. A notable feature is the 21-km undersea tunnel, which is a first for India. We are confident that the first section of the corridor will be operational by 2027.

Manufacturing is a key part of this vision. Could you tell us more about India’s rolling stock production?

Certainly. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Indian Railways is manufacturing around 30,000 wagons and 1,500 locomotives annually, right here in the country. This supports not just our own infrastructure needs but also contributes to job creation, innovation, and self-reliance in railway technology.

What are some of the other large-scale infrastructure projects Indian Railways is currently executing?

We're transforming the passenger experience by redeveloping over 1,300 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations will be modern, accessible, and fully integrated with urban transport systems. We're also aggressively pushing for 100% electrification of broad-gauge routes, aiming to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. Advanced signaling, better tracks, and digital tools are part of the overall upgrade.

How is Indian Railways balancing freight and passenger demands?

That’s a great question. We’re developing Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) to streamline cargo movement and reduce congestion on passenger routes. With these corridors, we can improve speed and reliability for both sectors. The separation of freight and passenger services is key to enhancing efficiency.

What role does Indian Railways play in the larger ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat mission?

Indian Railways is at the heart of the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. From indigenous Vande Bharat trains to locally manufactured wagons and signaling systems, we’re reducing dependence on imports and fostering world-class production capabilities within India. It’s not just about infrastructure—it's about building national capacity.

And finally, what is your long-term vision for Indian Railways?

We want Indian Railways to be future-ready—a modern, sustainable, safe, and efficient transport system that’s inclusive and resilient. The goal is to make it the backbone of India’s economic growth, while also positioning it as a global benchmark for railway development. With the kind of investments and innovations we’re making today, I believe that vision is well within reach.

Thank you so much for your time, Shri Vaishnaw. We wish you and Indian Railways continued success in this transformational journey.

Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to share our vision with platforms like Metro Rail Today that help amplify progress in urban mobility and infrastructure.