(Image source from: english.mathrubhumi.com)

In a significant advancement for India’s inaugural high-speed rail corridor, Japan will donate two sets of its renowned Shinkansen trains at no expense. As reported by the Japan Times, this initiative aims to facilitate the testing and assessment of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, which is currently under development. The two train sets, comprising one from the E5 series and another from the E3 series, are scheduled for delivery to India in early 2026, once they are equipped with inspection tools. They will serve to gather essential data, particularly concerning environmental issues in India, including elevated temperatures and dust.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor represents a pivotal project in the advancement of the country's infrastructure. Utilizing Shinkansen trains will allow officials to collect information on travel conditions, particularly regarding the impacts of extreme heat and dust, according to the report. This testing phase will also support the potential future manufacturing of E10 trains in India, which is anticipated to begin in the early 2030s. Until the new generation of trains is available, India plans to deploy locally manufactured semi-high-speed trains on the new rail line after upgrades to enhance their speed, as stated by the Japan Times.

It is noteworthy that the funding for the bullet train initiative primarily comes from low-interest yen loans provided by the Japanese government, which will account for approximately 80% of the total project cost. However, as costs continue to escalate, both governments aim to establish a new framework for yen loans, facilitating the introduction of E10 trains during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan for a bilateral meeting. The project, underpinned by Japan's iconic Shinkansen technology, holds significant importance for the Japanese government, according to the report.

The E5 series is recognized for its modern design and innovative technology, whereas the E3 series combines efficiency with passenger comfort. These trains are celebrated symbols of Japanese engineering, and their deployment in India is expected to yield valuable insights into track and operational performance. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is responsible for the construction of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor. This ambitious endeavor has been making consistent progress since work commenced in November 2021. The project includes the construction of bridges over six rivers—Par and Auranga in Valsad district, along with Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, and Venganiya in Navsari. In total, the MAHSR corridor will feature 24 river bridges, 20 of which will be located in Gujarat and the remaining in Maharashtra.

“The bullet train initiative needs to be viewed through the lens of economic integration. The first corridor being developed by Indian Railways encompasses Mumbai, Thane, Vapi, Baroda, Surat, Anand, and Ahmedabad—all of these regions will merge into one economy. You could have breakfast in Surat, finish your work in Mumbai, and return home with your family in the evening,” remarked Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw last year.