India’s first bullet train has entered the trial phase in Japan as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, a major Indo-Japanese initiative that aims to revolutionise the country’s transport infrastructure.
The 508-kilometre corridor will significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just over two hours, marking a key step toward India’s high-speed rail ambitions. As per reports, Japan has gifted India two Shinkansen bullet trains — one each from the E5 and E3 series — for preliminary testing. Capable of running at speeds up to 320 km/h, the trains are expected to arrive in India by early 2026. After their arrival, the trains will undergo climate adaptation trials, including evaluations of dust resistance, temperature tolerance, and real-time performance under Indian conditions. The trials are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems, gathering data that will also feed into India’s plans to develop its own E10 series trains under the “Make in India” programme. According to The Japan Times, this transfer of technology and expertise is expected to support India’s long-term self-reliance in high-speed rail systems.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is being developed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), with a sanctioned cost of ₹1.08 lakh crore. The route, starting at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai and ending at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, will include stops at key urban hubs such as Thane, Surat, Vadodara, and Anand. With limited halts, the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is projected to take 2 hours and 7 minutes — a significant improvement over conventional rail or road options. Officials say the 12-station corridor will also reflect regional identities, with each station designed to match the character of its respective city. The project is expected to strengthen connectivity, boost regional economies, and generate employment across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
As India prepares to host its first high-speed trains, the trial in Japan marks a critical milestone, showcasing not only bilateral cooperation but also India’s growing ambition to modernise its public transportation network on a global scale.
