Japanese giants Hitachi and Kawasaki are competing to supply 24 E5 Series Shinkansen bullet trains for India?s ambitious high-speed rail project. The project aims to connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with trains travelling at speeds up to 350 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has invited bids from Japanese companies for the procurement of these high-speed trains, estimated to cost around ?11,000 crore. The project is funded largely by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which mandates sourcing key components from Japan. This move ensures the transfer of cutting-edge technology to India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative.

The bullet train sets will feature advanced safety and comfort technologies, including anti-derailment mechanisms, earthquake resistance, and regenerative braking for energy efficiency. The interiors will be spacious, with configurations to meet varying passenger demands, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, spanning 508 km, is a key infrastructure project expected to revolutionise travel in India. Scheduled for completion by 2027, it promises to significantly cut travel time from the current seven hours by train to just two hours.

This development marks a significant milestone in India?s transport sector, heralding a new era of high-speed rail travel and technological collaboration with Japan.