Japan will provide two E3 and E5 series trains free of charge by early 2026. These trains will be used for testing on the upcoming Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail (HSR), India’s first bullet train corridor.
The donated trains will run on the 50-km Surat–Bilimora stretch in Gujarat, expected to be ready for testing by August 2026. The move helps India advance its testing phase well before the delivery of its own trains, aiming to maintain a 2027 launch schedule. Japan is already involved in the HSR project through a low-interest loan worth approximately $13 billion, reflecting strong bilateral infrastructure ties. However, India has not yet finalised its rolling stock procurement, citing Japan’s offers as expensive and exploring European alternatives.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Railways signed a deal with BEML and Siemens to build two 8-car trains with a top speed of 250 km/h. But with delivery timelines extending to 2028, the Japanese trains offer a temporary yet crucial solution to keep testing on track. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) will oversee the trials, which are expected to play a key role in validating systems and infrastructure in advance.
This strategic contribution from Japan not only strengthens its technological footprint in India but also highlights the growing partnership in advanced transport solutions between the two nations.
