India has made a decisive move to accelerate its ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, opting for indigenously designed bullet trains and an international signalling system. This strategic shift comes after Japan, a key partner in the 508-kilometer corridor, could not guarantee the availability of its next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains before 2034.
A senior Railway Ministry official confirmed that waiting for Japan's E10 series would have significantly pushed back the commercial operation timeline for India's first bullet train. Studies and experiences from other high-speed rail nations like Taiwan and South Korea suggest the first section of the MAHSR corridor could be operational by August 2027.
Addressing Criticism and Project Delays
The announcement follows recent criticism from Hideki Makihara, a member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and former Justice Minister. Makihara, in a post on X, accused India of "sheer recklessness" and suggested India was solely responsible for project slowdowns, particularly regarding the signalling system. He notably stated, "No result from Prime Minister Takaichi's visit either — 'India Shinkansen' failure: Japan excluded from the signal system, the key to safety."
In response, Indian officials clarified that Japan had not yet provided firm offers for the E10 trains, the signalling system, or the Operation Control Centre (OCC) because the E10 train itself is still under development. The original plan envisioned Japan supplying these core technologies while India handled civil construction.
The Shift to Indigenous and International Standards
The decision to proceed with Indian-designed bullet trains was a mutual agreement, recognizing that the E5 series, initially considered, was being phased out in Japan, and the E10 series was not ready. This shift ensures the project can meet its operational targets without prolonged delays.
Furthermore, both India and Japan agreed to implement an open standards-based international signalling system, specifically European Train Control System (ETCS). This system is widely utilized, with variations, in high-speed rail networks across Korea, Taiwan, China, and Europe, including India's own RRTS rapid rail projects. This common standard enhances interoperability and reduces reliance on proprietary technology.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project remains a cornerstone of India's infrastructure development, aiming to revolutionize inter-city travel between the two major economic hubs.