Image credit: Toshinori baba, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Japan will gift India its world-class bullet trains — the E5 and E3 series shinkansen — to assist in developing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor (MAHSR). One train set from each series will be delivered to India by early 2026, and the Indian Railways will use them for testing and inspection purposes.
Also, check out our selection of the most expensive trains in India.
Japan to donate bullet trains for India’s high-speed rail
Image credit: Donald Tong/Pexels
The free trains result from negotiations between India and Japan, part of the agreement to introduce the upcoming E10 series to operate in India. Currently, the E5 and E3 series are being utilised for testing, as India plans to launch the E10 series for the Mumbai to Ahmedabad route by the early 2030s. The line is expected to open in 2026 or 2027, initially featuring a 48-kilometre segment between Surat and Bilimora. However, the delivery of the E10 series may not coincide with the inauguration.
The East Japan Railway operates the E5 and E3 series, which will help assess bullet trains’ performance in humid weather. According to the Japan Times, authorities will collect track conditions, driving environments, pressure, and more data to evaluate the requirements for producing E10 trains tailored for India.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor: Key details
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor is set to be India’s first high-speed rail line.
Inspired by Japan’s bullet trains, it will reach a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation, a subsidiary of Indian Railways, is developing it.
The line will cover 508 kilometres with 12 stations, eight in Gujarat and 4 in Maharashtra.
The following cities will have stations: Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai.
Bullet trains will cover this journey in approximately two hours and seven minutes.
(Feature image credit: Toshinori baba, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Delhi Metro’s New Pint-Sized ‘3-Coach’ Trains Coming Soon – All You Need To Know
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read Moreat Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less
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