Vande Bharat, an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), introduced in 2018, is the fastest operational train-set and is capable of reaching 183 km/h (114 mph).

[1][2] In 1853, the first passenger train ran between Bombay and Thane which covered a distance of 54 km (34 mi) in 57 minutes, averaging a speed of 57 km/h (35 mph).

[7] In 1957, Indian Railways adopted 25 kV 50 Hz AC traction with the first runs beginning in December 1959 with the WAM-1 locomotives, capable of reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h (70 mph).

[8] In 1960, the Railway Board of India commissioned a study to increase the speed of its trains, which was restricted to 96 km/h (60 mph) on the existent broad gauge lines.

[9] On 19 February 1969, the Government of India announced the introduction of a new express train capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) in the railway budget.

[15] In December 2009, the Ministry of Railways of Government of India envisaged the implementation of regional high-speed rail projects to provide services at 250–350 km/h (160–220 mph), and planning for corridors connecting commercial, tourist, and pilgrimage hubs.

[20] In April 2016, the WAP-5 hauled Gatimaan Express became the fastest commercial train in India, with a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).

[30] In December 2023, two modified WAP-5 locomotives were used to haul the Amrit Bharat train-set in a push-pull configuration, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

[46][47] In February 2019, a train model based upon the same was unveiled by Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology capable of speeds of up to 600 km/h (370 mph).

[48] In September 2020, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited signed a pact with SwissRapide AG for the implementation of MagLev metro systems in India.

[51] Virgin Hyperloop signed a MoU with Government of Punjab in 2019 for building a rail to cover total 226 km (140 mi) distance between Amritsar and Chandigarh.

[65] For high-speed rail, the Indian railways will construct bullet train assembly facilities on a public-private participation (PPP) model.

[80] On 9 September 2021, India joined four other countries, to possess Full Span Launching Methodology (FSLM) technology after L&T was able to develop the machine successfully.

NHSRCL planned to acquire 20 such machines initially for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project in order to speed up construction.

[81][82] National Academy of Indian Railways, Vadodara was established in 2018 with the aim of developing indigenously high-speed train manufacturing technology.

[87] Some of the criticisms also suggest that India should aim for modernising its existing railway network before pursuing high-speed rail.