New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- India's first high-speed train project is entering a crucial phase, with the country's indigenously developed prototype expected to begin track testing by May-June 2027, potentially paving the way for its deployment on the first operational section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor later next year.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the 'NaMo for Viksit Bharat' event in Vadodara on Tuesday, said the first body frame of the indigenous bullet train had been completed and sent for a "squeeze test", which check's the frame's ability to withstand heavy pressure without deforming.

"By May or June of next year, India's own bullet train will be on the tracks for testing," Vaishnaw said. He added that testing wou...