Indian Railways all set to procure 18 E5 Series Shinkansen Bullet Trains at ₹7,000 Crore

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant development, the Indian Railways is making strides towards its vision of introducing high-speed bullet trains in the country. The plan is set to materialize with the procurement of 18 state-of-the-art E5 series Shinkansen bullet trains, a move estimated to cost Rs 7,000 crore. The decision aligns with India's aspiration to kickstart its first-ever bullet train services by 2026.

Cutting-Edge Japanese Shinkansen Technology

The E5 series trains are crafted using the cutting-edge Japanese Shinkansen technology, renowned for its unmatched safety standards in the high-speed rail sector. This technology not only adapts seamlessly to India's diverse topography and climate but also boasts the highest precision in ensuring passenger safety. Remarkably, the Shinkansen technology has maintained an impeccable safety record, with no accidents attributed to technological failures.

Strategic Collaboration with Japan

As part of a strategic deal, Japan has agreed to share its advanced Shinkansen technology with India, underlining the bilateral collaboration between the two nations in the realm of high-speed rail. The collaboration aims to leverage Japan's expertise and experience in the domain to propel India's bullet train project towards success.

Safety Features and Technological Advancements

The E5 series bullet trains come equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including the most advanced crash avoidance system and an automatic brake application mechanism in case of over-speeding. These features ensure not only a swift and efficient travel experience but also prioritize the safety and well-being of passengers.

Project Progress Update

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently provided an update on the progress of the bullet train project, affirming that the works are on track. By 2026, the first bullet train is expected to operate between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Key milestones achieved include the erection of pillars covering 251.40 km and the laying of elevated superstructures over a distance of 103.24 km as of November 21, 2023.

Technological Milestones

The adoption of Japanese technology in India's bullet train project signifies a technological leap for the country. Nearly 92% of the high-speed railway track is planned to be elevated through viaducts and bridges, covering a total distance of 503.09 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Noteworthy is the incorporation of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, a first in Indian rail projects. LiDAR, utilizing laser data, GPS data, and flight parameters, ensures the highest accuracy in data collection.

Conclusion

As India propels itself into the era of high-speed rail travel, the procurement of 18 E5 series Shinkansen bullet trains marks a pivotal moment in the country's transportation history. The collaboration with Japan, the cutting-edge safety features, and the incorporation of advanced technologies position India's bullet train project on the global map of high-speed rail innovation. With substantial progress already achieved, the vision of witnessing the first bullet train whizzing between Mumbai and Ahmedabad by 2026 appears closer than ever.