India is on track to become the first country outside Japan to operate the next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains as part of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project (Bullet Train), scheduled to launch in the early 2030s. Ahead of this, Japan will supply E5 Shinkansen trains in 2026 for trial runs, allowing Indian and Japanese engineers to study train performance under Indian weather and environmental conditions.
E5 for Trials in 2026
Japan will send two E5 trainsets—also known as Hayabusa—to India by early 2026. These high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and will be equipped with advanced inspection systems to test their performance in India’s high temperatures, dust, and varied terrain.
The E5 trials are a crucial step in customizing high-speed train technology for Indian conditions, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and comfort before full-scale operations begin.
E10 for Commercial Launch – A Global First for India
India will be the first country globally, outside Japan, to operate the futuristic E10 Shinkansen, also known as Alfa-X, which is currently under development by JR East (East Japan Railway Company). Capable of achieving speeds up to 400 km/h, the E10 is expected to be rolled out for commercial service in Japan by 2030, and soon after in India.
Originally, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor (Bullet train) was planned to use the E5 model, but after mutual agreement between Indian authorities and Japan, the decision was made to opt for the more advanced E10 instead—signaling Japan’s strong support for India’s infrastructure modernization.
Bullet Train Project – Progress So Far
The ₹1.1-lakh-crore Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project is India’s first high-speed rail corridor, stretching 508 km—with 352 km in Gujarat and 156 km in Maharashtra. Significant civil work progress has already been made:
- 21-km tunnel (Ghansoli–Shilphata, Maharashtra) completed
- 310 km of viaducts constructed
- 15 river bridges completed
- 5 out of 12 stations finished
- 4 more bridges and 3 additional stations are near completion
This project not only represents a leap forward in transport but also lays the foundation for future bullet train corridors across India.
Why This Matters
- India will pioneer the E10 Shinkansen outside Japan.
- E5 trials will provide vital data for real-world adaptations.
- Japan and India are deepening cooperation on cutting-edge infrastructure and technology.
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