Japan To Gift 2 Shinkansen Bullet Trains To India By 2026; All About E3 And E5 Model Rakes Set To Hit Tracks For Testing

Mumbai: In a significant move, Japan is set to send two bullet trains, the E3 and E5 Shinkansen models, to India. These trains will be used for inspection and testing purposes on the under-construction Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.

The E5 model, also known as Hayabusa, and the E3 Mini Shinkansen are expected to arrive in India by early 2026. These trains will serve as training and familiarisation platforms for Indian engineers and railway staff, helping them understand and adapt to Shinkansen technology well before the corridor becomes operational. Let’s take a closer look at the features and unique strengths of these two high-speed train models.

E5 Shinkansen (Hayabusa) Bullet Train:

The E5 Shinkansen, also known as Hayabusa, was introduced in 2011 and is one of the fastest high-speed trains in the world, with a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour. It features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a 15-meter-long nose to reduce wind resistance, ensuring smoother travel at high speeds.

The coaches are made from lightweight aluminium alloy, and the entire train is about 253 meters long, consisting of 10 coaches that can carry up to 731 passengers. The E5 is known for its quiet, vibration-free ride and comfortable seating, especially in its luxurious first-class coaches.

E3 Shinkansen Bullet Train:

The E3 Series Shinkansen, also called the Mini Shinkansen, was introduced in 1997. It runs at a top speed of 275 kilometres per hour and is specially designed to operate on both standard and narrower, conventional railway tracks.

The E3 focuses on cost-efficiency, while still offering high safety standards and comfortable ride quality. Powered by strong motors, the train delivers high acceleration and energy efficiency. A full E3 train is also about 253 meters long, with 6 or 7 coaches, and has a total seating capacity of around 350 passengers. It’s a practical and powerful solution for high-speed travel on more challenging routes.