India's first bullet train begins trial run for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): India’s ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project has taken a major leap forward as trial runs of the Shinkansen E3 series officially begin in Japan, bringing the country's first high-speed rail corridor closer to reality.

As part of this monumental collaboration between India and Japan, two Shinkansen bullet trains are being gifted to India. The E3 series L67 Shinkansen, currently undergoing trials in Sendai, Japan, is being fine-tuned to operate in India’s challenging climate, with special preparations for extreme heat, dust, and high-speed conditions.

“The trial run of the Shinkansen in Japan is a key milestone in India's high-speed rail journey. These E3 trains are being thoroughly tested to meet India’s unique operational environment,” said a project official.

Following inspections in Sendai and a transfer to Niigata, the E3 train is expected to be shipped to India by early 2026. Upon arrival, test runs will be conducted on the 50-km Surat–Bilimora section in Gujarat. India will also receive an E5 series Shinkansen for further trials.

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor spans 508 kilometers, with 348 km in Gujarat and 156 km in Maharashtra. Notably, 21 km will be underground, including a 7-km sea tunnel, and 5 km will pass through a mountain tunnel. The bullet train is designed to run at speeds up to 320 km/h, slashing travel time between Ahmedabad and Mumbai to just 2 hours and 58 minutes.

The corridor will serve 12 high-tech stations, including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Mumbai, equipped with modern amenities such as:

• Ample seating and clear signage

• Premium restrooms and baggage lockers

• Business lounges for first-class passengers

• Barrier-free designs with wheelchair accessibility

• Tactile tiles for visually impaired travelers

• Dedicated washrooms for differently-abled passengers

A Vision for Modern India

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, welcomed this development, stating:

“The Shinkansen trial run marks a historic step for India’s transport future. This project will redefine intercity travel with world-class speed, safety, and sustainability. We’re proud to witness India’s bold leap into high-speed rail powered by global collaboration and next-generation engineering.”

With infrastructure work progressing rapidly along the corridor and the arrival of trains expected by 2026, India’s first bullet train is on track to transform long-distance travel and strengthen its position as a leader in modern rail infrastructure.

Stay tuned as India moves full speed ahead into a high-speed future.