The long-awaited Shinkansen E5 bullet train, destined for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, is arriving from Japan at least within two years. The train will travel at 320 kmph speeds and hugely enhance efficiency in intercity travel. Indian Railways is finetuning final talks with the Japanese counterpart on terms of manufacturing as well as delivery.
Train Orders and Speed Capabilities
Railway officials have put in the order for the orders of Shinkansen E5 trains by this end. Though the operational speed of these trains is 350 kmph, the officials have decided to run it at 320 kmph on the route from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. The NHSRCL will test the semi-high speed trains with an operational speed of 250 kmph by which existing Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express might be replaced.
Manufacturing Mileage
On 5th September, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) invited tenders for two high-speed chair-car trains. The maximum permissible speed of these trains will be 280 kmph and operation would be at 250 kmph. According to reports, BEML Ltd has shown interest in this project. Manufacturing time is estimated to be more than two years, and the approximate price ranges for each train are about Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore.
Travel Options and Route Information
According to the reports, two types of travel would be possible: one between all 12 stations along the corridor and the other with less frequency in order to save time. The 508-kilometre corridor spreads over 351 km in Gujarat and 157 km in Maharashtra. The undersea tunnel at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane already has construction work on. Eventually, 35 bullet trains in every lot of 10 coaches will bring the total of 70 daily trips.
