Clarion Call from Rail Bhavan: Vande Bharat Not for Bullet Train Tracks, Shinkansen Reigns Supreme on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor

In a significant clarification addressing widespread speculation, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unequivocally stated that India’s indigenous Vande Bharat trains will not be deployed on the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor. This 508-kilometer high-speed rail link is being meticulously constructed as a dedicated infrastructure for the advanced Japanese Shinkansen E5 series trains, a testament to the distinct technological requirements of different high-speed rail systems.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the tracks, signaling systems, and overall infrastructure of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project are specifically engineered to accommodate the Shinkansen technology.

"The tracks and everything else are being made for the Shinkansen E5 series trains," he explained, dispelling any notions of Vande Bharat trains operating on these specialized lines. This distinction underscores the global best practices in high-speed rail development, where specific rolling stock is designed for compatible infrastructure to ensure optimal safety and performance.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is spearheading this monumental project, which aims to drastically reduce travel time between India’s financial capital, Mumbai, and Gujarat’s largest city, Ahmedabad.

Currently, significant progress has been made, particularly in the Gujarat section of the corridor. As of recent reports, over 300 kilometers of pillars have been erected, with more than 250 kilometers of viaducts already completed, showcasing the rapid pace of construction.

The minister confirmed that the Gujarat portion of the bullet train corridor is on track for completion by 2026-27.

This phased approach allows for operationalization of completed sections while construction continues on the more challenging Maharashtra stretch. While land acquisition in Gujarat has been largely successful, the Maharashtra segment has faced hurdles, leading to a slower pace of development in that region.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, India’s first high-speed rail line, symbolizes a leap forward in the nation's transportation infrastructure.

It promises to revolutionize inter-city travel, offering unparalleled speed, comfort, and efficiency. The decision to strictly adhere to the Shinkansen E5 series specifications highlights a commitment to global standards and the successful integration of advanced foreign technology into India's railway network.

While Vande Bharat trains continue to redefine semi-high-speed travel on conventional broad-gauge lines across India, the bullet train corridor remains a specialized domain, paving the way for a new era of ultra-fast connectivity.