'Individual Opinion': India Dismisses Former Japan Minister's Bullet Train Delay Claims
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
India on Friday rejected allegations made by a former Japanese minister regarding delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, describing the remarks as a personal opinion that does not reflect the actual progress of the project.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said cooperation between India and Japan on the high-speed rail corridor remains on track and construction has advanced significantly.
'Individual Opinion, Not the Facts'
The clarification came after former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara alleged that Indian authorities had repeatedly failed to honour commitments during negotiations related to the Shinkansen project.
Reacting to the comments, the MEA said the remarks were merely an individual opinion and differed from the ground reality.
According to the government, the two countries continue to work closely on the project, with construction progressing at a steady pace.
First Section Expected to Open in 2027
The MEA said Japan's next-generation E10 (or E20, as referenced by the government) Shinkansen train is still under development and is expected to be supplied only in the early 2030s.
Until then, both countries have agreed to begin operations using an Indian high-speed train.
The government added that the first operational section of the corridor is expected to open in 2027.
Government Rejects Signalling System Allegations
Responding to claims that Japanese companies had been excluded from supplying the signalling system, the MEA said procurement had been carried out according to international specifications.
It stated that no proposal from Japan was received for the signalling component and that all decisions were taken with the objective of commissioning the project at the earliest.
About the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is India's first bullet train project and is being developed using Japanese Shinkansen technology.
The project is being financed in part through long-term, low-interest loans provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Once operational, trains will run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, connecting Mumbai with major cities including Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.
The fastest services are expected to complete the Mumbai-Ahmedabad journey in approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes, stopping only at Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad, significantly reducing current travel time.
