India's decision to adopt "bullet train" technology further symbolizes its commitment to restructuring railway infrastructure. On Friday, the second day of Narendra Modi's visit to Japan, Prime Minister Modi took a ride on the Shinkansen high-speed train together with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This symbolic trip underscored the deepening transport partnership between the two countries. The visit came as the two governments held negotiations on introducing Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains to India, which is likely to give a significant boost to the country's ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced Japan's "world-famous" Shinkansen bullet trains alongside Shigeru Ishiba. During the visit, Modi also interacted with Indian drivers who were receiving training in Japan for operating these high-speed trains. He was expected to visit the Tohoku Shinkansen factory in Sendai, where carriages for the new train series are being built.
In a speech to Japanese business leaders, Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding industrial ties. "From semiconductors to infrastructure, Japan has been a reliable partner for India. Today, we invite Japanese companies to manufacture in India and for the world," he said.
Currently, India is awaiting the arrival of its first bullet train, and the dream of having trains running at 320 km/h on its home soil is drawing closer to reality. East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is developing the E10 series trains for the project. The company already operates the E5 series and began the design phase of the E10 series in March, equipping it with advanced braking and automation systems.
The ride on the bullet train symbolizes the growing technological and economic partnership between India and Japan, particularly in areas such as high-speed rail, infrastructure development, and smart city projects. Analysts note that this interaction demonstrates India's commitment to adopting advanced technologies while forging stronger diplomatic and economic ties with strategic partners like Japan.
Key Features of the E10 Shinkansen Series
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Maximum Speed: 320 km/h, with the potential to reach 360 km/h in the future, though currently limited by electronic equipment.
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Earthquake-Resistant Design: L-shaped vehicle guides and lateral dampers prevent derailment during vibrations.
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Enhanced Braking System: Capable of stopping from maximum speed with a distance 15% shorter than that of the E5 series, even when decelerating from 3.4 km/h.
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Passenger Comfort: Offers wider seats, additional luggage space, wheelchair-accessible window seats, and flexible layouts for passengers or cargo.
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Business Class Upgrades: Equipped with leather reclining seats, foldable desks, on-board Wi-Fi, and premium interiors.
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Noise Reduction: Aerodynamic nose design helps minimize tunnel boom and external noise.
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Energy Efficiency: Constructed using lightweight materials and next-generation traction motors to reduce power consumption.
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Smart Climate Control: Automatically adjusts temperature and air flow based on the number of passengers on board.
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On-Board Technology: Includes digital signage, infotainment screens, and real-time travel updates in multiple languages.
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Future Automation Readiness: Equipped with systems designed to support driver assistance and potential fully autonomous operation.
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Design Inspiration: Incorporates cherry blossom patterns and a forest green color scheme reflecting Japan's natural landscape.
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