In a major step towards India’s ambitious high-speed rail project, Japan has donated two second-hand Shinkansen trains to support the testing of the country’s first high-speed rail line. The trains will be used for testing on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, a project that marks a historic milestone in India’s rail infrastructure.
This donation, announced in May 2025, is a significant gesture of cooperation between Japan and India, who have partnered on the high-speed rail initiative. These Shinkansen trains, famed for their cutting-edge technology and high-speed capabilities, will be tested on a 50-kilometer section of the line, set to begin operations next year. The trains are expected to help refine the systems, safety protocols, and infrastructure before full-scale commercial service begins.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor—an essential part of India’s broader vision to modernize its transport infrastructure—will connect the two major cities in just about two hours, compared to the current travel time of nearly seven hours by conventional trains.
Japan’s donation is part of a broader $12 billion funding package from Japan, secured through a loan agreement under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The collaboration between the two countries, dating back to 2017, focuses on technology transfer, training, and project management to ensure the successful implementation of the line.
“This collaboration represents a leap forward for India’s transportation future,” said Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Finance Minister, in a statement reported by The Hindu. “The Shinkansen trains will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this game-changing project.”
This high-speed line is seen as a critical element in India’s broader strategy to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve the efficiency of its transport system. Once fully operational, the project is expected to dramatically transform travel between two of India’s most economically significant cities.
Sources:
- The Hindu, May 2025
- Japan Times Coverage of Japan-India Cooperation, 2025
- India Ministry of Railways Official Updates
