Japanese Companies Compete for Bullet Train

22 May 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..