Vande Bharats to Run on Bullet Train Corridor until Shinkansens Arrive

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..