There is an important update for those waiting for the bullet train to run on Indian tracks for the first time. The country’s first bullet train will come from Japan, where Indian Railways is in talks. However, one may have to wait at least two years for that.
Talks Are Still Going On With Japan
According to a Hindustan Times report, Indian Railways is currently in talks with its Japanese counterparts. After the talks are finalized, the schedule for manufacturing and supplying the first bullet train to run in India will be finalized. However, it may take at least two years. India’s first bullet train will operate between Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Mumbai in Maharashtra.
Operation At A Speed Of 320 Kilometers Per Hour
According to the report, talks are underway to operate the Japanese bullet train Shinkansen E5 on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. This train will operate at a speed of 320 kilometres per hour. This high-speed rail corridor is the first bullet train project in India. This corridor will also be used to test semi-high-speed trains up to 250 kmph.
Order Expected By The End Of This Year
The report quoted senior railway officials as saying that the order for India’s first bullet train, Shinkansen E5, will be completed by the end of this year. An official of the National High-Speed Rail Corridor (NHSRCL) told the newspaper that negotiations are ongoing for the order, which is expected to be finalized soon.
Possible To Run At Speeds Up To 350 km.
The NHSRCL official also said trains could be operated up to 350 kmph on the corridor built between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. However, the bullet train is planned to operate at 320 kmph. The official said that NHSRCL was contacted about using the corridor for semi-high-speed train trials, for which NHSRCL has agreed.
Semi High-Speed Trains Will Run In Their Place
Work is also being done to manufacture semi-high-speed trains in India. Integral Coach Factory issued a tender for two chair-car high-speed trains earlier this month. Semi-high-speed trains can replace premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi, whose speed will be 250 kilometres per hour. Premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi operate at a speed of 130 kilometres per hour.
