Japan has made a significant contribution to India’s ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project by sending two high-speed Shinkansen trains to India for testing purposes. The E5 and E3 series trains are expected to arrive in India in early 2026, The Japan Times reported.
Pre-Test Preparations and Climate Control
Ahead of this critical shipment, Japanese engineers will meticulously inspect the trains and update them with special climate control systems to adapt to the hot and dusty climate of Western India. This equipment will enable technical data on the trains’ performance to be accurately recorded in the local environment. The results will significantly help in adapting the project’s infrastructure to India’s environmental conditions.
Critical Tests For Indian Railways To Begin In 2026
The E3 model, one of the trains that Japan will send, has been in service in Japan since 1997 and can reach speeds of 275 kilometers per hour. Japan plans to replace these trains with the new generation E2030 series by the 10s. The other model, the E5 series, entered service in 2011 and can reach an impressive speed of 320 kilometers per hour. These trains are known for their superior comfort and ideal structure for long-distance travel. Although India initially aimed to purchase the E5 trains directly for this first high-speed corridor, an agreement with the supplier could not be reached. This situation led India to take steps towards developing its own high-speed trains.
Shinkansen Transfer Strengthens Japan-India Cooperation
The transfer of these Shinkansen trains to India represents a significant milestone in the strong collaboration between the two countries. As Japan continues to play an active role in international infrastructure projects, this technology sharing will accelerate the implementation of India’s high-speed rail project. It will also provide Indian engineers with the opportunity to closely examine and learn from Japan’s vast experience in high-speed transportation. As demand for modern transportation solutions grows across Asia, such collaborations between Tokyo and New Delhi continue to strengthen mutual ties.
