New Delhi: India’s dream of high-speed travel is inching closer to reality as the country prepares to introduce the E10 Shinkansen series, Japan’s latest bullet train technology, on the ambitious Mumbai Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor. Capable of touching 320 km per hour, these trains promise to shrink journeys and redefine long-distance travel in India.
The MAHSR project, launched in 2017 with Japan’s support, has faced delays due to land acquisition and construction hurdles. But with progress gathering pace, the first section in Gujarat is set to open by 2027, while the full 508 km stretch from Mumbai to Ahmedabad is expected to be operational by 2028. The journey, which now takes six hours by train, will be completed in just over two hours.
During his ongoing visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to review the project’s progress and meet Indian drivers undergoing intensive training to operate these advanced trains. He will also tour the factories where the futuristic E10 series is being developed.
The E10 marks a generational leap from the originally planned E5 series. Inspired by Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms, the E10 is not only aesthetically designed but also equipped with crucial safety upgrades, including earthquake-proof technology. Its L-shaped vehicle guides and lateral dampers ensure stability during tremors, a feature particularly important for India’s seismically active zones.
Beyond safety, the new trains offer improved passenger comfort. Wider seats, dedicated wheelchair-friendly windows, and flexible seating arrangements provide options for both passengers and cargo. A premium business class will feature reclining leather seats, built-in desks, and onboard Wi-Fi, while the interior colour palette will highlight shades of green.
Technological advancements extend to efficiency as well. The E10’s braking system can bring the train to a complete halt in less than 3.4 km, compared to the E5’s 4 km, a vital upgrade for India’s densely populated rail corridors. The trains will also feature engines with higher fuel efficiency and the capability for automated operations in the future.
Although the E10 will debut in Japan around 2030, India is expected to begin its bullet train journey with the interim E5 model. Once ready, the E10 will replace earlier versions across Japan and eventually roll into India’s rail network.
The project is more than just transport it represents the strength of Indo-Japanese ties. Japan is funding nearly 80 percent of the MAHSR through a soft loan and has committed over $68 billion in investment across sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare, and green technology over the next decade.
For India, the bullet train is both a technological milestone and a symbolic step toward a modern, high-speed future. As Prime Minister Modi put it during his visit, “Japan has always been a trusted partner in India’s journey of growth from semiconductors to start-ups. With shared vision and innovation, we are building not just trains but a stronger tomorrow.”