E5 for Trials, E10 for Launch For India’s Bullet Train

India will become the first country outside Japan to run the new E10 Shinkansen bullet train, starting with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project in the early 2030s. Until then, older E5 trains will be used for trials, helping Japan collect important data under Indian conditions like dust and heat. This marks a big step in India’s journey to modern, high-speed transport.

E5 for Testing, E10 for Final Launch

To prepare for the launch, Japan will send two E5 train sets to India in early 2026. These trains, also known as Hayabusa, run at speeds up to 320 kmph and will be used for trial runs. They will come fitted with special inspection systems to test how bullet trains perform in India’s weather, including high temperatures and dust.

These tests will help engineers improve the new E10 Shinkansen—a train that can go up to 400 kmph and is built for better safety, energy savings, and comfort. The E10, also called Alfa-X, is being developed by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and is expected to begin commercial service in Japan by 2030.

India First to Get the E10 Outside Japan

According to sources in the Ministry of Railways, India will be the first country outside of Japan to use the E10 series for commercial bullet train service. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will be the launch route. Originally, India had planned to use the E5 trains for commercial runs, but the plan changed after discussions with Japan to bring in the latest model instead.

Japan’s move shows its strong commitment to helping India modernize its infrastructure using the best technology available.

Bullet Train Project Progress

The ₹1.1-lakh-crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is India’s first bullet train line. Civil work is progressing well,

• A 21-km tunnel section between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra is now complete.
• 310 km of viaduct has been built.
• 15 river bridges are ready.
• 5 out of 12 stations are finished.
• Work on 4 more river bridges and 3 more stations is almost complete.

The full corridor is 508 km long, covering 352 km in Gujarat and 156 km in Maharashtra. Future bullet train routes are also being planned by the government.