+
Vande Bharats to Run on Bullet Train Corridor until Shinkansens Arrive
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Vande Bharats to Run on Bullet Train Corridor until Shinkansens Arrive

Amid delays in finalizing the deal for the procurement of Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains for India’s first high-speed Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, the railway ministry has now invited bids for a signalling system that will enable Vande Bharat trains, with a maximum design speed of 280 kph, to run on this route.

Initially, the ministry had stated that Shinkansen trains would make their debut on the Surat-Bilimora section by August 2026. However, it has become clear that these high-speed trains may not be a reality until after 2030. According to sources, the complete operation of Shinkansen trains along the entire corridor—whose foundation stone was laid in September 2017—will only happen by 2033.

This became apparent when the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHRSCL) published the tender for the signalling system required for Vande Bharat trains. The tender outlines that the successful bidder will need to design, manufacture, supply, install, and maintain the signalling and train control system, which will use the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2. This is distinct from the Japanese DS-ATC signalling used for Shinkansen trains.

The contract period for ETCS-2 is seven years from the date of work award. Sources mention that deploying the ETCS-2 system will ensure the infrastructure is utilized efficiently. The plan is to start commercial operations of Vande Bharat trains on this track by 2027.

“There is no point in leaving this capital-intensive project unused while waiting for the Japanese trains. Once Vande Bharat trains are operational, the installation of the Japanese signalling system for Shinkansen can proceed. The timeline for introducing the E-10 series trains (an advanced version of bullet trains) in 2030 or later will be determined once trains suitable for Indian conditions are available,” a source said.

As per the plan, once the Shinkansen trains are fully operational, the advanced versions of Vande Bharat trains and the ETCS will be shifted to other projects.

Amid delays in finalizing the deal for the procurement of Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains for India’s first high-speed Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, the railway ministry has now invited bids for a signalling system that will enable Vande Bharat trains, with a maximum design speed of 280 kph, to run on this route. Initially, the ministry had stated that Shinkansen trains would make their debut on the Surat-Bilimora section by August 2026. However, it has become clear that these high-speed trains may not be a reality until after 2030. According to sources, the complete operation of Shinkansen trains along the entire corridor—whose foundation stone was laid in September 2017—will only happen by 2033. This became apparent when the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHRSCL) published the tender for the signalling system required for Vande Bharat trains. The tender outlines that the successful bidder will need to design, manufacture, supply, install, and maintain the signalling and train control system, which will use the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2. This is distinct from the Japanese DS-ATC signalling used for Shinkansen trains. The contract period for ETCS-2 is seven years from the date of work award. Sources mention that deploying the ETCS-2 system will ensure the infrastructure is utilized efficiently. The plan is to start commercial operations of Vande Bharat trains on this track by 2027. “There is no point in leaving this capital-intensive project unused while waiting for the Japanese trains. Once Vande Bharat trains are operational, the installation of the Japanese signalling system for Shinkansen can proceed. The timeline for introducing the E-10 series trains (an advanced version of bullet trains) in 2030 or later will be determined once trains suitable for Indian conditions are available,” a source said. As per the plan, once the Shinkansen trains are fully operational, the advanced versions of Vande Bharat trains and the ETCS will be shifted to other projects.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Elevate Homes to Develop Premium Project in Gurugram

Elevate Homes, the integrated residential development platform established by Hines and Conscient Infrastructure, will develop a premium residential project in Sector 63A, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurugram. Spread across 10.5 acres with around two million sq. ft. of saleable area, the project is planned for launch later in 2026.Designed by global architecture firm Benoy, the development will feature globally inspired architecture, nature-led design and curated wellness-focused spaces. The project will offer more than 600 three- and four-bedroom residences, with a focus on liveability, susta..

Next Story
Real Estate

BPTP Skynest Wins Premium High-Rise Development Award

BPTP Limited has been recognised with the ‘Premium High-Rise Development of the Year’ award for its residential project BPTP Skynest at the Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026, held at Grand Hyatt, Gurugram.Located in Sector 80, Greater Faridabad, BPTP Skynest is designed as a premium high-rise residential development featuring contemporary architecture, thoughtfully planned homes and lifestyle-oriented amenities. The project comprises 504 residential units and incorporates biophilic design elements through 20 dedicated Sky Nests, landscaped green spaces integrated within the t..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dubai Buyers Seek Independent Property Transfer Services

Dubai’s property market is witnessing growing discussions around the role of independent transfer services, as some leading brokerages require buyers to pay conveyancing or sales-progression fees even when the service is managed within the same business group holding the seller’s mandate.The practice has gained attention as brokerage websites promote such services, while LinkedIn and Instagram profiles highlight dedicated sales-progression teams operating within agencies. Industry observers point out that the concern is not about the capability of in-house conveyancers but whether buyers s..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code