India, Japan Set to Finalise Bullet Train Design

25 Dec 2024 CW Team

India and Japan are nearing the finalisation of the bullet train design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor, with tender awards expected soon.

A senior official confirmed that the design is set to be formally approved. The Japanese Shinkansen trains are being modified to suit Indian conditions, with changes including increased luggage capacity, the ability to operate in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and modifications to address dust concerns. The seating arrangement may also be reconfigured with fewer seats per coach than the original design.

Over 50% of civil work for the MAHSR corridor has been completed across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Rail welding on the MAHSR viaducts in Gujarat commenced earlier this month. The rails for the project are being sourced from Japan, and over 60 km of track has been laid.

In addition to importing bullet trains from Japan, India is preparing to indigenise the production of bullet trains and signalling systems for high-speed corridors. The Railway Board has tasked the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with manufacturing bullet trains capable of reaching speeds of 280 km/h. These trains will be built at the Bengaluru rail coach complex, with delivery expected by the end of 2026.

The trains will offer modern amenities such as reclining seats, provisions for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..