Ahmedabad to Mumbai: Indian Railways is preparing a special Diwali gift for frequent travelers to India’s financial capital.

If inspections are successful, the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Vande Bharat train will reach speeds of 160 km/h, reducing travel time between these cities to just 4.45 hours from the current 5.25 hours, according to top sources in Western Railway (WR).

Currently, Vande Bharat trains on this route operate at 130 km/h.

This initiative is part of Mission Raftar, targeting the Mumbai-Vadodara-Delhi route, which connects with Ahmedabad at Vadodara.

Following a promising first technical inspection in April, a second inspection will be conducted in July to evaluate parameters like journey smoothness at 160 km/h, sources in the Ahmedabad division of Western Railway revealed.

The train, capable of carrying over 1,000 passengers, will run with simulated weight during the inspection.

Officials explained that the current track strength is 52 kg per meter, suitable for 130 km/h. For the trials, this has been increased to 60 kg per meter.

Two pairs of trains currently run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, departing in the morning and afternoon, with one pair originating from Gandhinagar.

Officials noted that while the train can reach 160 km/h, the primary challenge is ensuring the track can support such speeds.