India has taken a major step toward launching its first high-speed bullet train service. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is currently constructing a 508-kilometre-long high-speed rail line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Out of this, 352 kilometres will pass through nine districts of Gujarat, while the remaining portion will run through three districts in Maharashtra.
Trial Run Begins in Japan
The trial run of the bullet train for this ambitious project has begun in Japan. As part of a strategic partnership, Japan will gift India two Shinkansen train sets—E5 and E3 series. These trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h, are expected to be delivered by early 2026. Once they arrive in India, the trains will undergo testing to ensure they suit the country’s geographical and climatic conditions.
The trains are equipped with state-of-the-art inspection systems that can monitor track conditions, temperature tolerance, and dust resistance. The data collected will be used for the future development of the next-generation E10 series bullet trains under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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Stations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Route
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor will feature a total of 12 stations, including Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara. The new line will drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from the current 7 hours to just 2 hours and 7 minutes. The project adheres to Japanese railway safety and reliability standards.
As per a 2016 agreement between India and Japan, about 80% of the project’s funding is being provided by Japan through a low-interest yen loan.
This initiative is not only aimed at faster travel but also promises to boost employment, technical skills, tourism, and trade within the country. Once completed, it is expected to usher in a new era of fast, safe, and reliable public transportation in India.