Watch: India’s First Bullet Train Undergoes Trials in Japan Ahead of Mumbai-Ahmedabad Launch
In a historic leap towards transforming India’s rail network, the country’s first-ever bullet train — the iconic Japanese Shinkansen — is undergoing initial trials in Japan. This development marks a major milestone in the much-anticipated Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.
Japan, India’s strategic partner in this high-speed endeavor, is set to gift two Shinkansen train sets — one each from the E5 and E3 series — for inspection and trial purposes. These advanced trains are designed to run at a top speed of 320 km/h and will be used to test performance on Indian terrain and climate conditions once delivered in early 2026.
India’s Bullet Train Dream Comes Alive
The trial of Shinkansen trains symbolizes a significant moment in Indo-Japanese cooperation. As per The Japan Times, the gifted trains will be fitted with high-tech inspection equipment and used to collect critical data on driving conditions, temperature resistance, and dust effects — essential for shaping the next generation of high-speed railways in India.
Japan’s move is part of a broader strategy to support India in eventually manufacturing the new E10 series Shinkansen trains domestically under the Centre’s “Make in India” initiative. This will not only strengthen India’s self-reliance in rail infrastructure but also enable technology transfer and future scalability.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor: A Game Changer
India’s first bullet train route spans 508 kilometers between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, reducing travel time to just 2 hours and 7 minutes. Developed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the line is being constructed in phases and is expected to feature stops at:
- Thane
- Virar
- Boisar
- Vapi
- Bilimora
- Surat
- Bharuch
- Vadodara
- Anand
- Sabarmati
The route integrates Japanese safety and reliability standards, ensuring a high-speed, smooth travel experience.
Key Developments at a Glance
- Trial Trains: E5 and E3 series Shinkansen gifted by Japan.
- Top Speed: 320 km/h.
- Delivery Timeline: Early 2026.
- Indigenous Plans: E10 trains to be produced in India.
- Technology Transfer: Ensured through Indo-Japanese agreement signed in 2016.
- Funding: 80% of the project is backed by low-interest yen loans from Japan.
Economic and Strategic Impacts
Apart from transforming intercity connectivity, the MAHSR project is expected to:
- Boost economic activity in regions along the corridor.
- Create thousands of jobs during the construction and operational phases.
- Modernize Indian Railways with cutting-edge infrastructure.
- Facilitate tourism and trade between two major urban hubs.
Watch video of India’s very first bullet train trails underway in Japan:
🚄 India’s bullet train dream is on track!
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) May 30, 2025
Watch the first Shinkansen train undergo trials in Japan before its arrival for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. Top speed: 320 km/h. Game changer incoming! 🇮🇳🇯🇵#BulletTrainIndia #Shinkansen #MumbaiAhmedabadRail #MakeInIndia… pic.twitter.com/wukHoSei10
Future-Proofing India’s High-Speed Network
India already operates semi-high-speed trains such as the RRTS and Vande Bharat Express, but true high-speed rail technology has remained elusive. The Shinkansen trials aim to change that, making India the next global hub for bullet trains.
Additionally, state-owned Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has secured a contract to design and produce India’s first homegrown bullet trains, setting the foundation for future high-speed rail projects.
Challenges on the Track
Despite the promise, the project faces hurdles like land acquisition delays, rising costs, and financial debates about long-term viability. A new yen loan framework is expected to be finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Japan, ensuring smooth progress of the next phases.
As India inches closer to launching its first bullet train corridor, the ongoing Shinkansen trials in Japan offer a glimpse of the high-speed future that awaits Indian travelers.
