In a major development for India’s bullet train ambitions, Japan has announced it will donate two Shinkansen train sets, the E5 and E3 series, to aid in the testing and inspection of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, currently under construction. According to a report in The Times of India (TOI), the move has drawn widespread attention for its potential to significantly advance India’s high-speed rail infrastructure.
The donated trains are expected to arrive in early 2026 and will be retrofitted with specialised inspection tools. Their primary role will be to gather critical operational data, especially concerning India’s challenging environmental conditions such as extreme heat and dust.
All you need to know about E5 and E3 series of Shinkansen train sets
The E5 series, developed by East Japan Railway (JR East), has been in service since 2011 and can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. Initially selected for India’s bullet train project, the E5 is known for its advanced safety features and comfort. The E3 series, an older model, is used for “mini-shinkansen” services but remains highly reliable and technologically sound.
India originally planned to use E5 trains for passenger operations. However, delays and cost overruns led to a strategic pivot toward the upcoming E10 series, also known as Alfa-X, which can reach up to 400 km/h and is expected to debut in the early 2030s. The E5 and E3 testing will help refine the E10’s design for Indian conditions, as it will not be ready in time for the corridor’s partial opening in August 2027.
For India, the Shinkansen represents more than just a train, it’s a symbol of technological advancement, safety, and punctuality. The hands-on experience with E5 and E3 trains will allow Indian engineers and operators to become familiar with Japanese high-speed rail standards before the full-scale deployment of the E10.
Who is funding India’s bullet train project?
The bullet train project is primarily funded through a low-interest loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is covering around 80% of the project cost, repayable over 50 years. This model makes the project financially viable while deepening bilateral cooperation.
This isn’t the first time Japan has shared its iconic Shinkansen technology globally, a previous example includes the export of a first-generation train to Taiwan’s high-speed rail network, reflecting Japan’s continued commitment to supporting global high-speed rail development.