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Japan to Provide Shinkansen E5 and E3 Series Trains for India’s Bullet Train Project.

International | Dated: 22 Apr 2025

In April 2025, the Government of Japan announced the donation of two Shinkansen train sets, 'E5' and 'E3' series, to India. These high-speed trains will support the testing and inspection of India’s first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSRC).

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The trains, scheduled to be delivered in early 2026, will be equipped with specialized inspection tools to gather vital operational data, particularly focused on India’s environmental conditions such as high temperatures and dust.
  • - Shinkansen refers to Japan’s renowned high-speed rail technology.
  • - In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signed an agreement to manufacture Shinkansen trains in India under the "Make in India" initiative, facilitating the transfer of Japanese high-speed rail technology to India.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSRC) is being developed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), a subsidiary of Indian Railways. Once completed, the corridor will enable bullet trains to run at speeds of up to 320 km/h, marking India’s entry into high-speed rail infrastructure.
  • (ii) The donated Shinkansen trains include the E5 and E3 series. The E5 Series, introduced by East Japan Railway Company in 2011, is known for its aerodynamic design, advanced safety, and superior ride quality. The E3 Series, an older model used for mini-shinkansen services, is recognized for its efficient performance and reliability.
  • (iii) The India-Japan collaboration stems from an agreement signed in 2016 between PM Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, promoting high-speed rail technology transfer through the "Make in India" initiative. The trial data from the E5 and E3 series will help in the future indigenous production of the E10 (Alfa-X) series trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 400 km/h. The project is financially supported by around 80% low-interest yen loans from the Japanese government, and negotiations are underway for further loan frameworks to introduce the E10 trains.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country recently announced the donation of Shinkansen E5 and E3 series trains to India for its bullet train project?

Correct Answer: Japan

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Japan

  • Prime minister: Shigeru Ishiba
  • Capital: Tokyo