The high-speed rail between Mumbai & Ahmedabad, considered a game-changer for the Indian economy, has faced inordinate delays-most notably in procurement, which would include Japanese Shinkansen trains. To sustain the momentum of this vital infrastructural project, the Railway Ministry has decided on a stopgap arrangement: using Vande Bharat trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor until the Shinkansen trains become available.
Vande Bharat: A Stopgap
India is building its own bullet trains called Vande Bharat. They are likely to reach a maximum speed of 280 km/h. Since finalization of Shinkansen bullet train has not occurred, Vande Bharat will use the high-speed corridor ready by 2027. Therefore, only stages of the much-awaited Japanese trains, Shinkansen, will be delivered by 2030 while full operation is likely to occur by 2033.
Ministry of Railways said they were planning to bring Shinkansen trains between Surat-Bilimora till 2026. That is yet to happen and hopefully will continue at least till 2030.
Bids invited for Vande Bharat signalling system
For operation of Vande Bharat on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, NHRSCL has just issued tenders for installing signalling system. This new system, to be the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2, is needed for Vande Bharat trains to run at high speeds safely and efficiently. The contract period for the implementation of ETCS-2 is seven years from the date of award of the contract.
This signalling system will be different from that one the Japanese DS-ATC is using for its Shinkansen trains, which can be viewed to push the timeline for when the Japanese bullet trains will be imported into the country further. The tender document states that the company that will win this tender will design, manufacture, supply, install, and maintain this signalling and train control system.
Delays in Shinkansen Train Procurement for Mumbai & Ahmedabad Corridor
The main delays in the Shinkansen project are due to finalizing agreements and the stringent demands of changing the trains as per India’s infrastructure. The foundation stone for this high-speed corridor was laid in September 2017. Although on a successful track, the project will only make the delay in getting the Japanese bullet trains functional by 2033.
As a result, the Railway Ministry has given a go-ahead decision on Vande Bharat trains on the understanding of utilizing them as a stopgap arrangement. With this, the critical Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor of India’s future high-speed rail network will not lie here sleeping for the Shinkansen trains.
The full development plan for the corridor
After the launch of the Shinkansen trains, the Vande Bharat trains, combined with the ETCS signalling system, will go into operation and, therefore, work on other projects will commence in India to support the development of rail infrastructure in the entire country, satisfying the high-speed travel demands.
By 2030, the top-class Japanese bullet trains will be available in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. The officials sound very hopeful. Vande Bharat trains are the proper present solution for fulfilling the expectation of the passenger and paving the way for further development.
Conclusion: Future of India’s High-Speed Rail Network
Indian high-speed rail dream is on track even though procurement of the Japanese Shinkansen train has been delayed. Since the Vande Bharat trains were announced to run on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor by 2027, the country is now taking good steps to modernize its railway system. The waiting game is still being played for the Shinkansen trains to arrive in India, and based on this operational readiness of the Vande Bharat trains, India is improving its rail network for smooth traveling with speed, efficiency, and reliability.
This would be just a beginning-the bullet train revolution in India and Mumbai to Ahmedabad is going to set a great milestone because it sets an example for more technological train and connectivity around the country.
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