India and Japan are nearing the finalisation of the bullet train design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor, with tender awards expected soon.

A senior official confirmed that the design is set to be formally approved. The Japanese Shinkansen trains are being modified to suit Indian conditions, with changes including increased luggage capacity, the ability to operate in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and modifications to address dust concerns. The seating arrangement may also be reconfigured with fewer seats per coach than the original design.

Over 50% of civil work for the MAHSR corridor has been completed across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Rail welding on the MAHSR viaducts in Gujarat commenced earlier this month. The rails for the project are being sourced from Japan, and over 60 km of track has been laid.

In addition to importing bullet trains from Japan, India is preparing to indigenise the production of bullet trains and signalling systems for high-speed corridors. The Railway Board has tasked the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with manufacturing bullet trains capable of reaching speeds of 280 km/h. These trains will be built at the Bengaluru rail coach complex, with delivery expected by the end of 2026.

The trains will offer modern amenities such as reclining seats, provisions for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems.