Japan to Gift Shinkansen Trains to India for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Testing

Japan is set to donate two of its renowned Shinkansen train sets to India for testing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, according to a report by Japan Times. The gifted trains—one from the E5 series and the other from the E3 series—are expected to arrive in early 2026.

These advanced train sets will be used to carry out performance testing and inspections of the high-speed corridor, particularly under challenging conditions like high temperatures and dusty environments. The E5 series is recognized for its cutting-edge design and technology, while the E3 series is celebrated for offering enhanced passenger comfort.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is a flagship infrastructure initiative in India, being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Construction began in November 2021 and includes seven mountain tunnels, built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), which involves drilling, controlled blasting, muck removal, and structural support installation.

The total estimated cost of the corridor is ₹1.08 lakh crore. The Indian government is contributing ₹10,000 crore, with Gujarat and Maharashtra each investing ₹5,000 crore.

In addition to this project, the Indian Railways has also conducted feasibility studies for high-speed rail corridors along three key Golden Quadrilateral routes: Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Mumbai, and Mumbai-Chennai.