In a remarkable development, Japan has offered India two Shinkansen train sets—the E5 and E3 series—as a complimentary gift to assist with testing and commissioning of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, which is estimated to cost around ₹1.08 lakh crore (approximately ₹1.1 lakh crore) .
Originally, India had planned to operate imported E5 series trains on the corridor. However, cost escalations and delivery delays prompted a shift toward developing domestic trainsets via India’s Integral Coach Factory in collaboration with BEML . With negotiations stalled, Japan’s gesture—delivering the E5 and E3 sets by early 2026—is expected to break the deadlock and provide data essential for operations under Indian climate conditions (extreme heat, dust, etc.) .
These trains, retrofitted with specialized inspection equipment, will gather performance feedback that will inform the design of the next-generation E10 series Shinkansen—also known as Alfa‑X—that is expected to launch simultaneously in India and Japan around 2030 .
The corridor, spanning 508 km, aims for a partial opening in Gujarat by December 2027 and full network completion by December 2029. Japan’s Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) currently funds about 81% of the project via a low‑interest yen loan with a 50-year tenure at 0.1% annual interest .
Meanwhile, construction is progressing: over 300 km of viaducts have been erected using state-of-the-art “Make in India” techniques, and a 100 m steel bridge has been launched over the Dedicated Freight Corridor near Bharuch .
What Comes Next
- 2026–27 (FY 2026‑27): Test runs using the gifted E5 and E3 Shinkansen train sets within the Gujarat stretch begin, providing vital operational insights .
- Design refinement: Feedback from trials will support both the future India-made 280 km/h trains and the imported E10 Shinkansen, slated for commercial service around 2030 .
- Manufacturing expansion: Plans are underway to produce Shinkansen-style coaches in India, potentially exporting them by mid‑2030s .
- Full corridor launch by late 2029, with the Gujarat section operational by end‑2027, pending timely completion of construction, tender finalizations, and systems integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Japan gifting the trains instead of selling them?
A: The gesture aims to unblock delays, provide real-world testing data under Indian conditions (heat, dust, and higher passenger/luggage loads), and help advance joint train design and future co‑production. It also strengthens India–Japan strategic cooperation while reducing upfront costs .
Q: Will these trains carry passengers?
A: No. The E5 and E3 sets are strictly for inspection and testing. They are equipped with sensor suites to monitor performance metrics. Full commercial operations will begin only after India transitions to the advanced E10 series, expected by around 2030.
Japan’s latest move represents more than a technical contribution—it symbolizes a renewed push in India’s bullet train ambitions, bridging gaps in technology transfer, budgeting, and engineering know-how. The project remains ambitious but steadily steaming ahead.
