GUWAHATI: Japan plans to provide two Shinkansen train sets to India free of charge to support testing and inspection activities for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. The E5 and E3 series trains, equipped with specialised inspection equipment, are scheduled for delivery in early 2026. These trains will gather essential operational data under India's environmental conditions, including high temperatures and dust, to aid in the development of the next-generation E10 series Shinkansen trains, expected to be deployed in the early 2030s.
However, the E10 trains will not be ready in time for the corridor's partial opening, which is planned for August 2027. In the meantime, domestically manufactured, modified semi-high-speed trains will be used along the corridor until the E10 series becomes operational.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, managed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), is a flagship project for India. Funded primarily through low-interest yen loans from Japan, covering about 80 percent of the total cost, India and Japan are negotiating a revised loan agreement due to rising expenses. This agreement is expected to be finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan. Since construction began in November 2021, significant progress has been made, including the completion of key river bridges in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The E5 series Shinkansen, renowned for its aerodynamic design and cutting-edge technology, and the E3 series, valued for its efficiency and passenger comfort, will provide critical insights that will support the future domestic production of the E10 series. This collaboration highlights the strong partnership between Japan and India in advancing high-speed rail technology and infrastructure.
