India to Launch Vande Bharat Trains on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Corridor

India plans to run Vande Bharat trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train route by 2026. This decision follows delays in importing Shinkansen rolling stock from Japan. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

India Advances Bullet Train Plans Despite Delays

After missing its initial deadline, the government now intends to operate Vande Bharat trains. A tender has been released for the installation of a modern signalling system on the 508-kilometer route.

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The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, valued at ₹1.08 lakh crore, has faced significant delays. Disagreements between India and Japan over rolling stock imports have hindered project completion.

Initially designed for Shinkansen operations, the corridor is now being adapted for domestic trains. A senior railway official expressed concerns about investing heavily in Japanese technology.

NHSRCL has invited bids for critical signalling and telecommunication infrastructure this month. The contract includes design, installation, and commissioning for high-speed rail communications.

Procurement of the signalling system has been delayed due to unresolved contract issues with Japan. The latest tender requires bidders to sign non-disclosure agreements before accessing technical specifications.

India Chooses ETCS Over Shinkansen Signalling System

NHSRCL’s updated plans propose using the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. The original design had specified Digital Shinkansen-Automatic Train Control (DS-ATC) technology.

Following high-level discussions, authorities decided to implement ETCS, already in use on Delhi-Meerut’s rapid rail. This move ensures compatibility with India’s expanding high-speed network.

Negotiations between Japan and India regarding rolling stock procurement are still ongoing. Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw visited Japan in September 2024 to discuss the issue.

Reports indicate Shinkansen deployment may not be possible before 2032. NHSRCL plans to utilize existing infrastructure for Vande Bharat operations in the meantime.

Last year, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) invited bids for two high-speed train sets. BEML won the ₹866 crore contract to produce trains capable of reaching 280 kmph.

By 2026, India aims to commence Vande Bharat services on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed route. This decision prevents costly infrastructure from remaining underutilized.

Source: www.businesstoday.in

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