Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: High-Speed Vande Bharat Trains May Hit Tracks First, Says Report

India is considering deploying its own high-speed Vande Bharat trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor after missing the deadline for the project's launch, Business Today reported.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) has floated a tender for the signalling system for the 508-km route.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, a major infrastructure initiative costing Rs 1.08 lakh crore, failed to meet its original August 2022 deadline.

Delays persist as negotiations between India and Japan have stalled over the procurement of train sets capable of speeds exceeding 320 kmph.

The corridor has been designed for running Japanese Shinkansen trains.

Earlier this month, NHSRCL issued a tender for the crucial signalling and telecommunication system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.

The scope of work includes the comprehensive design, installation, and commissioning of signalling and telecommunication infrastructure for the high-speed rail line.

The signalling system tender faced delays due to unresolved discussions with Japan over the finalisation of the rolling stock contract.

The newly issued tender reveals limited information, requiring interested bidders to sign a non-disclosure agreement for further details.

According to the BT report, The NHSRCL's latest tender is for the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 for running high-speed Vande Bharat at 280 kmph.

However, the original plan included the implementation of advanced Digital Shinkansen-Automatic Train Control (DS-ATC) technology.

The decision to go ahead with the ETCS was taken after high-level discussions in the government, BT reported citing sources.

India and Japan continue discussions on the matter. In September 2024, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Japanese government officials to deliberate on the project’s future.

According to some media reports, the introduction of Japanese bullet trains on the corridor may only be done by 2032.

Last year, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) floated tenders for two train sets capable of speeds up to 280 kmph, with BEML securing the Rs 866 crore contract.

The plan is to run the high-speed Vande Bharat on the route by 2026.

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