By 2029-30, India and Japan are set to jointly introduce the newest Shinkansen E10 bullet train, often referred to as the Alfa-X. With the E10’s top speed of 400 km/h compared to the E5’s maximum speed of 320 km/h, this sophisticated model is a major improvement over the original E5 model.
In 2029–2030, the Shinkansen E10 is expected to launch concurrently in both nations.
Initial Operations: Beginning in 2027, India will run its in-house built high-speed trains on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor prior to the E10’s debut. The maximum speed of these local trains will be 280 km/h.
Infrastructure Development: Significant progress has already been made on the key infrastructure for this corridor, which includes a 21-kilometer underwater tunnel and several viaducts. It is anticipated that the project will be finished by 2028–2030.
Since its May 2019 unveiling, the Alfa-X prototype has been put through a rigorous testing process on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. During trials, it has already reached test speeds of up to 400 km/h, placing it among the world’s fastest trains. As both nations improve their rail infrastructure and communication, the E10’s launch will be a momentous occasion.
In addition to revolutionising train travel between important Indian towns, this enormous project represents a major technological progress partnership between Japan and India.
Speed limit: 400 km/h (250 mph)
Length: 26.25 m for end cars, 24.5 m for intermediate cars
3.35 m in width
Elevation: 3.7 meters
500 kW motors for the traction system (four per car)
12 MW of power output (16,092 horsepower)
Electric System: 50 Hz, 25 kV AC Standard gauge for the overhead catenary track is 1,435 mm.
India and Japan worked together to build the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, which was mostly financed by a long-term loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This loan, which has an extraordinarily low annual interest rate of 0.1%, covers almost 80% of the project’s cost.
With improvements like more baggage space and adjustments for improved performance in hot and dusty circumstances, Japan is helping to modify the E10 model to suit Indian conditions.
As India and Japan’s cooperation grows, the Shinkansen E10 bullet train represents a significant advancement in high-speed rail technology. In addition to transforming travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, this project establishes a standard for other high-speed rail projects around the world.