• By Shibra Siddiqui
  • Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:35 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Bullet Train Project Update in India: India is likely to get E5 and E3 series Shinkansen trains as inspection vehicles for the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project from Japan free of cost, Japan Times reported, citing sources.  

India will get two train sets (a set of train cars) from two different series (E5 and E3) early in 2026. Before arriving, they'll be fitted with special equipment for inspection purposes. 

Both the Indian and Japanese governments plan to roll out the next-generation Shinkansen E10 series for the 508-km high-speed rail link between Mumbai and Ahmedabad by the early 2030s. The delivery of the E10 trains is aimed for August 2027.

The inspection trains will collect data on driving conditions, including the effects of high temperatures and dust, to contribute to the potential production of E10 trains in India. Meanwhile, upgraded Indian trains will be used on the bullet train corridor until the E10s are ready. 

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Initially, the plan was to use E5 trains for passenger services, but due to delays and cost issues, India considered developing its own trains. Japan offered a solution by providing the E5 and E3 trains for free and proposing the E10 model. 

Notably, Japan is financing about 80 per cent of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project at a low interest rate. The initial cost is estimated at 1.8 trillion yen. With costs escalating, a fresh yen loan package to enable E10 rollout is expected to be announced during PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Japan.