The Mumbai to Ahmedabad journey will soon be significantly faster, with the introduction of high-speed rail in India. The country is set to receive the E10 series Shinkansen bullet train from Japan, a state-of-the-art model designed for speed, safety, and comfort. This development marks a pivotal moment in India’s infrastructure development, promising to reshape the way people travel between major cities.
What are the primary characteristics of the E10 series? How does it compare to existing bullet trains in terms of technology and features? What are the anticipated benefits of this advanced train, and when is its deployment in India expected?
The E10 series Shinkansen is the latest innovation in bullet train technology from Japan, representing a substantial upgrade over the E5 and E3 series. A standout feature of the E10 is its ability to withstand earthquakes, ensuring operational reliability and passenger safety even during seismic events. The train is designed to achieve rapid braking, enhancing safety at high speeds, and offers improved passenger comfort and amenities.
The E10 Shinkansen, developed by Japan Railways, is engineered to operate at speeds of 320 km/h, with a potential top speed of 360 km/h. Its braking system is highly efficient, requiring a stopping distance of less than 3.4 km from maximum speed, compared to the E5 series’ 4 km. The train is equipped with a more powerful and advanced engine, and it is designed for future full automation.
The E10 Shinkansen series is presently in its construction phase. The introduction of the E10 bullet train in Japan is scheduled for 2030, when it will replace the E5 and E2 series. In the interim, India will receive the E5 and E3 series trains. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, slated to commence in 2027-28, will initially use the E5 trains, with a transition to the E10 series planned. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan included a tour of the E10 train manufacturing facility.
Japan initially intended to provide the E5 series Shinkansen to India. However, due to project delays and the advancement of Japanese technology, the E10 series has been offered. The E10 series’ design is inspired by cherry blossoms and incorporates features like earthquake resistance. The train incorporates L-shaped guides to prevent derailment during seismic events. The E10 trains will also offer more luggage space, wheelchair-accessible window seats, and a more luxurious seating arrangement compared to the E5 series.
India has been anticipating the launch of its bullet train network. The first bullet train is expected to be operational by 2028. The high-speed rail project is progressing rapidly, with the first segment in Gujarat anticipated to be completed by 2027. The entire 508-kilometer route is expected to be operational by 2028, reducing travel time between Gujarat and Mumbai to just two hours and seven minutes.
The high-speed rail project in India originated with a feasibility study in 2009. The Ministry of Railways and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) spent four years on the initial report. Delays in securing funding and finalizing agreements followed. Japan agreed to provide 80% of the project’s funding through low-interest loans. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project was launched in 2017, with Prime Minister Modi and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in attendance. Despite initial setbacks, the project is now on track for completion by 2028.
