India and Japan are gearing up to launch the Shinkansen Alfa-X, also known as the E10, their latest high-speed bullet train, simultaneously by 2029-30. This milestone marks a historic collaboration in the global railway sector, blending cutting-edge Japanese technology with India’s ambitious infrastructure development.
Ahead of the E10’s debut, India will operate indigenously developed high-speed trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, which is slated for completion by 2026-27. Japan has granted approval for India to test and operate its two prototype trains on the same infrastructure, a significant nod to India’s engineering capabilities.
Initially, India was set to receive the Shinkansen E5 model, with a top speed of 320 kmph. However, the plan has been upgraded to include the E10, capable of reaching speeds up to 400 kmph. This achievement is attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary push for the project and the strong diplomatic ties between India and Japan, reinforced by recent high-level visits by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in 2024.
In preparation for this, Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) awarded a ₹867 crore contract to BEML Ltd in October 2024 to manufacture and commission two semi-high-speed trains. These prototypes, expected to be delivered by late 2026, are designed for a top speed of 280 kmph, though they are likely to operate at around 249 kmph.
The Shinkansen Alfa-X (E10) represents a leap forward in high-speed rail technology, boasting superior safety measures, aerodynamic design, and groundbreaking speed capabilities. Currently undergoing trials in Japan, the E10 is also being considered for adoption by other nations, including the US and Taiwan.
The $17 billion Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is a joint initiative between the Government of India, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. It is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) with 81% of the funding provided through a soft loan from Japan via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The 508-km corridor will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including India’s first undersea tunnel, and reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just over two hours. Stops along the route will include key cities like Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
With the launch of the E10 on the horizon, this partnership underscores the shared vision of India and Japan to revolutionize transportation, laying the groundwork for a high-speed future.
