Discover how the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is set to transform travel with Japan’s latest technology
India’s first bullet train is coming soon, connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad with incredible speed and comfort. The new E10 Shinkansen series, developed by Japan, promises to bring advanced safety features and passenger-friendly designs to this landmark project.
What is a Bullet Train?
A bullet train is a high-speed rail service running at speeds of 250 km/h or more on dedicated tracks. Countries like Japan, France, China, and Germany have well-established bullet train networks. India’s journey into high-speed rail started with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, launched in 2017.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project
- Foundation stone laid by PM Narendra Modi and then-Japan PM Shinzo Abe in 2017 at Sabarmati, Gujarat.
- Japan funds 80% of the project via a soft loan.
- Initial delays, but construction is progressing well.
- First section expected to open in Gujarat by 2027.
- Full route operational by 2028, cutting travel time to just over 2 hours for the 508 km journey.
Introducing the E10 Shinkansen Series
Originally planned to use the E5 Shinkansen trains, India was offered Japan’s next-generation E10 series due to technology advances and project delays. The E10 features:
- Earthquake-proof design with ‘L-shaped vehicle guides’ and lateral dampers to prevent derailment.
- More luggage space and flexible seating plans for passengers and cargo.
- Dedicated window seats for wheelchair users.
- Advanced brakes that reduce stopping distance by 15%, crucial for India’s dense population and seismic zones.
- Top electronically limited speed of 320 km/h, with potential to run at 360 km/h without limits.
- Future capability for fully automatic operations.
Passenger Comfort & Design
- Wider seats than previous models.
- Business class with leather recliners, built-in desks, and onboard Wi-Fi.
- Stylish green color scheme inspired by Japan’s natural beauty.
Japan-India Collaboration: Beyond Trains
During PM Modi’s visit to Japan, he is expected to meet Indian drivers training to operate these trains and visit the factory where the E10 is being developed. Modi also emphasized India’s potential as a manufacturing hub, highlighting investments by Japanese companies across sectors like AI, semiconductors, and healthcare.
Japan plans to invest around $68 billion over the next decade to deepen bilateral business ties, supporting India’s rapid growth and modernization.
In summary, India’s E10 Shinkansen bullet train promises to revolutionize travel on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor with cutting-edge technology, safety features, and passenger comfort—paving the way for more high-speed rail projects across the country.
Also Read : “Come Make in India, Make for the World”: PM Modi Invites Japanese Investment During Tokyo Summit
