The India bullet train project with Indian trains is set to begin before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen fleet. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the plan in New Delhi on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The decision will allow services on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor to start without waiting for the Japanese model, which is still under development. It also gives India an opportunity to operate domestically built high-speed trains on its first bullet rail route.
India Bullet Train Project With Indian Trains: What Was Announced
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said talks between India and Japan were progressing well. Both countries agreed to begin operations with an Indian high-speed train because the first section is expected to open in 2027. Signalling equipment has also been ordered according to international specifications.
The 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is India’s first dedicated bullet train route. It will connect Maharashtra and Gujarat through elevated tracks, stations, bridges and tunnels.
Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train to Open in Phases
The Surat–Bilimora stretch in Gujarat is expected to become the first operational section in 2027. Other sections will open in phases after construction, testing and safety approvals. A final date for full commercial operations across the complete corridor has not been announced.
Using Indian trains could prevent a long gap between the completion of early sections and the availability of Japanese trainsets. However, the domestic trains must complete trials, certification and safety checks before carrying passengers.
Indian High-Speed Train Technology Under Development
India’s B28 high-speed train is being developed by BEML at its Bengaluru facility. The prototype is targeted for completion by March 2027 and will undergo extensive testing before commercial use.
The train has a design speed of 280 kmph and an expected operating speed of about 250 kmph. Planned features include air-conditioned chair-car coaches, reclining and rotatable seats, support for passengers with reduced mobility and onboard infotainment.
E10 Shinkansen Trains in India Expected in Early 2030s
Japan is expected to provide its next-generation E10 Shinkansen series in the early 2030s. Since the model is still being developed, it will not be available for the corridor’s initial operations.
The later arrival of E10 trains will continue the India-Japan bullet train partnership while India gains practical experience in high-speed rail. The phased approach is important because it combines earlier services, domestic manufacturing, Japanese technology and long-term railway modernisation.
