On April 16, 2025, Japan announced its decision to gift two Shinkansen bullet trains—E5 and E3—to India. These trains will play a crucial role in testing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor.

The E5 series trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h, have been chosen for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. Modifications are being made to adapt these trains to Indian conditions, including enhanced luggage capacity, higher temperature tolerance, and dust resistance. These modifications aim to ensure efficient operation in India's diverse climate and environmental conditions.

The E3 series, known as 'Mini Shinkansen' in Japan, is an older model but is renowned for its excellent ride quality, aerodynamic design, and safety features. This model will also contribute valuable data for the development of future high-speed trains in India.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the high-speed rail project, providing a soft loan with favorable terms to support the development of India's first bullet train corridor.

This initiative not only strengthens the technological collaboration between Japan and India but also symbolizes the deepening strategic partnership and friendship between the two nations.