• Source:JND
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On the second day of his Japan visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday travelled on the Shinkansen high-speed train alongside his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, in a symbolic ride that underscored the deepening transport partnership between the two countries. The trip came at a time when both governments are holding talks on introducing the next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains to India, which could significantly boost the country’s ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project.

India and Japan first signed an agreement in 2015 to build the country’s maiden high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The project, spanning 508 kilometres, will use Japanese Shinkansen technology and is expected to cut travel time between the two financial hubs to just over two hours. But Construction faced several delays over he years due to land acquisition hurdles and the pandemic.

Key Features of the E10 Shinkansen Series

• Top Speed: 320 km/h, with a possibility of 360 km/h in the future, although currently limited by electronics.

• Earthquake-Proof Design: L-shaped vehicle guides and lateral dampers keep it from derailing during tremors.

• Improved Braking System: Can stop from a maximum speed of 3.4 km, which is 15% shorter than the E5 series.

• Passenger Comfort: Offers wider seats, extra luggage space, wheelchair-friendly window seats, and flexible layouts for passengers or cargo.

• Business Class Upgrade: Features leather recliners, fold-out desks, onboard Wi-Fi, and premium interiors.

• Noise Reduction: The aerodynamic nose design helps to minimise tunnel sonic booms and outside noise.

• Energy Efficiency: Made with lightweight materials and next-gen traction motors to reduce power use.

• Smart Climate Control: Adjusts temperature and airflow automatically based on how many passengers are on board.

• Onboard Technology: Includes digital signage, infotainment screens, and real-time travel updates in several languages.

• Future Automation Ready: Comes with systems designed to support driver-assist and possibly fully automated operations.

• Design Inspiration: Incorporates cherry blossom (sakura) motifs and a forest green color scheme that reflect Japan's natural landscapes.

Why E10 Shinkansen Matters For India?

Initially, India planned to use the E5 Shinkansen series. However, Tokyo has now offered the more advanced E10 series, which is set to start service in Japan by 2030. The East Japan Railway Company designed the E10, featuring important improvements in safety and efficiency. The trains have special earthquake-proof features, including L-shaped vehicle guides and lateral dampers to stop derailments. This is especially important for India since the rail line will go through areas with high seismic activity and a large population. The E10 can reach a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour, the same as the E5, but incorporates new braking systems that reduce stopping distance by nearly 15 per cent. While the E5 requires around 4 kilometres to halt from maximum speed, the E10 can do so in under 3.4 kilometres. Officials say this improvement is vital for India’s crowded rail corridors.

 

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Make in India Push And Future Collaboration

Tokyo and New Delhi are likely considering co-manufacturing the E10 series in India as part of a broader transport and mobility partnership. If finalised, the collaboration would not only reduce costs but also establish India as a hub for advanced rail technology.

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During his visit, PM Modi also interacted with Indian drivers undergoing training in Japan to operate these high-speed trains. He is expected to tour the Tohoku Shinkansen plant in Sendai, where coaches for the new series are being built. In his address to Japanese business leaders, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to expanding industrial ties. “Japan has been a trusted partner for India, from semiconductors to infrastructure. Today, we invite Japanese companies to make in India and make for the world,” he said. For now, India awaits the arrival of its first bullet train, with the dream of travelling at 320 kilometres per hour on home soil inching closer to reality.