NEW DELHI (Metro Rail & Steel): The Indian Railways is set to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the adoption of Japan’s E5 series Shinkansen technology for its inaugural bullet train services, slated to commence operations in 2026. An ambitious plan to procure 18 E5 series bullet trains at an estimated cost of Rs 7,000 crore has been put into motion. This strategic move comes as part of a collaborative deal where Japan has agreed to share its cutting-edge technology with India. Renowned for its unmatched precision in ensuring safety, the E5 series Shinkansen technology is deemed well-suited to India’s diverse topography and climate. With an impeccable track record of zero accidents attributed to technological failures, this bullet train series is set to redefine high-speed travel on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor.
The E5 series boasts advanced safety features including a state-of-the-art crash avoidance system and an automatic brake application mechanism to address over-speeding incidents. Initially, the rake of bullet trains incorporating this technology will be procured from Japan, marking a significant milestone in bilateral collaboration between the two nations. Sources have confirmed the finalization of a deal with a Japanese entity for this purpose. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, significant progress has been made in advancing the bullet train project. As of November 21 this year, 251.40 km of pillars have been erected while elevated superstructures spanning 103.24 km have been laid. The railways have invited e-bids to onboard consultants for the ticketing system, showcasing the project’s momentum.
A senior railway official emphasized India’s adoption of Japanese technology for the bullet train project. Notably, an impressive 92% of the high-speed railway track will traverse elevated viaducts and bridges along the 503.09 km distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. “The bullet train will traverse a viaduct covering 460.3 km of the 508.09 km distance, featuring 25.87 km of tunnels, including a groundbreaking 7 km undersea tunnel and a 12.9 km embankment. Pioneering the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology in an Indian railway project, its precision relies on a blend of laser data, GPS data, and flight parameters,” revealed a railway source, highlighting the technology’s unprecedented accuracy and potential impact.
