Indigenous’ Bullet Trains to Operate on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor Until Shinkansens Arrive*

India will deploy Vande Bharat-based high-speed trains as an interim solution for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, pending the arrival of Japanese Shinkansen trains by 2030. The indigenous trains, capable of 280 kmph, will begin operations by 2027, with European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 installed to support them. Shinkansen trains are expected to be fully operational by 2033, with interim infrastructure repurposed for other projects later.

With delays in procuring Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, India plans to deploy “indigenous” Vande Bharat-based high-speed trains as an interim solution. The Railway Ministry has invited bids for a European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 signalling system, designed to support these trains, which can achieve a maximum speed of 280 kmph.

The Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory has awarded BEML a contract to manufacture two high-speed Vande Bharat trains by the end of 2026. These trains, designed for standard gauge tracks, are expected to commence commercial operations on the corridor by 2027. The ETCS-2 signalling system will be installed and maintained for seven years from the contract’s award date.

Originally, Shinkansen trains were expected to debut on the Surat-Bilimora section by August 2026, but operational delays now suggest they may not be fully functional until 2033. The first Shinkansen trains are anticipated to arrive by 2030, with the E-10 series—a more advanced version—likely introduced thereafter.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) plans to ensure optimal use of infrastructure with the indigenous trains until Shinkansen trains are operational. Once Shinkansen trains are fully deployed, the advanced Vande Bharat trains and ETCS systems will be repurposed for other projects. Officials remain optimistic about meeting passenger expectations with the interim indigenous solution.

Disclaimer
The details provided are based on current reports as of January 2025 and are subject to change. Official announcements from Indian Railways or NHSRCL should be consulted for updates.

source : times of India