India and Japan are strengthening their economic and strategic ties, with Japan set to introduce its next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet train in India and targeting $67 billion in investment in the country. This initiative is expected to boost India's infrastructure development, create new manufacturing opportunities, and enhance the global supply chain.
E10 Shinkansen Bullet Train
The E10 Shinkansen is Japan's newest high-speed train project, combining innovative engineering and design. It is currently under development by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and is scheduled to begin operations in 2030. India is likely to procure Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains, which currently run at 320 km/h and are designed with earthquake-resistant systems. The model, still under testing in Japan, is scheduled to enter service in 2030 and has the potential to reach 400 km/h. The E10 Shinkansen project is likely to be part of a new transport and mobility partnership between India and Japan.
Key Features of the E10 Shinkansen Series * Speed: Can reach speeds of up to 400 km/h. However, its commercial operation speed is 320 km/h, the same as the E5 series. * Safety: Earthquake-resistant design and advanced safety systems to prevent derailment and reduce damage during seismic events. It incorporates L-shaped derailment prevention guides, which ensure the train remains on the tracks during earthquakes. Special dampers for lateral movements between bodyshell and bogies will be used to increase the deflection tolerance in response to strong track oscillations during an earthquake. The E10 Shinkansen will have a 15% shorter braking distance from 320 km/h compared to the Class E5. * Comfort: Improved interior design with wider seats, power outlets, USB ports, and enhanced accessibility. The cabin layout has been refined to increase comfort and usability. In upper-class cars, seats are arranged two per row, offering enhanced personal space that rivals airline business class. * Technology: Blowerless induction motor for quieter operation and reduced maintenance. Wi-Fi routers will be added in the cars to improve the communication environment. It will be built to handle large amounts of digital data for efficient maintenance and inspection of the cars. The asynchronous traction motors will be the first time for Shinkansen self-ventilated ones. The traction converters will offer higher efficiency thanks to SiC semiconductors.
Investment Target of $67 Billion
Japan is planning to double its private-sector investment in India to 10 trillion yen ($67 billion) over the next decade. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to confirm the new target during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Tokyo visit beginning Friday. The new plan will expand upon Japan's current goal of investing 5 trillion yen over five years, which was announced in March 2022 by then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to India.
The Japanese investment will be deployed through a mix of private capital, official development assistance and yen loans. Tokyo's push reflects concern at home about shortages in advanced-technology talent and capacity, Japan estimates a shortfall of hundreds of thousands of specialised workers by 2030, and views India as a large, skilled talent pool that can help fill those gaps.
The investment will focus on strategic areas, including:
Significance of the Partnership
The collaboration between India and Japan on the E10 Shinkansen project and the increased investment target signifies a deepening of economic and strategic ties between the two countries. The partnership is expected to:
The introduction of the E10 Shinkansen in India and the increased investment target are expected to have a significant impact on India's economy and infrastructure development. The partnership between India and Japan is a win-win situation, as it will cater to India's growing transportation needs and create new opportunities for both countries.
