Japan to Gift Shinkansen Trains to India for High-Speed Rail Testing Ahead of 2026 Launch

Significantly supporting India’s high-speed rail ambitions, Japan will provide two of its iconic shinkansen trains- one each from the E5 and E3 series- free of charge for inspection purposes on the under-construction Mumbai and Ahmedabad bullet train corridor. The train sets, fitted with advanced diagnostic equipment, are scheduled to arrive in India by early 2026.

This strategic move aims to ensure Japanese rail technology plays a pivotal role when the approximately 500-km line partially opens in August 2027. Originally, the E5 series was considered for passenger services, but concerns over cost overruns and delays led India to lean toward domestically produced alternatives. To resolve the impasse, Japan offered the E10 series, it’s next generation shinkansen, for adoption by the early 2030s and proposed free supply of the E5 and E3 trains as a goodwill gesture.

These inspection trains will gather vital data on operating conditions such as heat and dust- essential for adapting E10s for Indian Terrain and possibly local manufacturing. The project, which is largely funded through low-interest yen loans from Japan (converting 80% of the estimated ¥1.8 trillion cost), symbolizes strong bilateral ties and Tokyo’s commitment to exporting its rail expertise. The move aligns with India’s broader rail modernisation strategy under the National Rail Plan 2030.