MEA Rejects Former Japanese Minister’s Claims on Bullet Train Delays, Reaffirms India-Japan Partnership
- MGMMTeam
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected allegations made by former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara regarding delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, describing his remarks as a personal opinion that does not reflect the reality of the ongoing India-Japan collaboration. The ministry reiterated that the high-speed rail project continues to progress through close coordination between the two governments and remains one of the most significant symbols of their strategic partnership.
The controversy emerged after Makihara claimed on social media that negotiations with India had faced repeated setbacks, alleging that commitments made during discussions were not always honoured. His comments attracted widespread attention because of his previous involvement in matters related to India-Japan cooperation. However, the Indian government has maintained that bilateral engagement on the project remains constructive and focused on timely implementation.
MEA Says Facts Tell a Different Story
Addressing the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the former minister's remarks were "an individual opinion" and were "at considerable variance with facts." He emphasized that India and Japan continue to work closely on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project and that cooperation between the two nations remains strong.
The ministry also highlighted that both countries are engaged in regular discussions to ensure the successful execution of the project. According to the government, the partnership extends beyond the construction of a railway line and reflects the deep strategic, technological, and economic relationship that India and Japan have built over the years.
A Flagship Project of India-Japan Cooperation
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is India's first bullet train project and one of the largest infrastructure collaborations between India and Japan. Launched in 2017 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the project is being developed with financial and technical assistance from Japan.
Stretching approximately 508 kilometres between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the corridor will introduce Japan's renowned Shinkansen technology to India. Once operational, trains are expected to run at speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time between the two cities from nearly seven hours to just over two hours.
The project is being implemented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) providing the majority of the funding through a long-term, low-interest loan. The financing arrangement has been widely regarded as one of the most favourable infrastructure funding agreements secured by India.
Construction Gains Momentum
Although the project has faced engineering, logistical, and land acquisition challenges over the years, construction activity has accelerated significantly across multiple sections of the corridor.
Major civil works, including viaducts, bridges, elevated stations, and track infrastructure, are progressing steadily. One of the most technically challenging components—the undersea tunnel near Mumbai—is also under construction and represents a major milestone in India's railway engineering capabilities.
Authorities have stated that work in Gujarat has advanced rapidly, while construction in Maharashtra has also gathered pace following the completion of key approvals and land acquisition. Thousands of bridge piers and several station structures have already been completed, reflecting the project's steady progress.
Next-Generation Shinkansen to Be Introduced
The India-Japan partnership on high-speed rail continues to evolve beyond the initial construction phase. During recent bilateral engagements, Japan agreed to provide India with its next-generation E10 (also referred to as E20 in earlier discussions) Shinkansen technology once it becomes commercially available.
Until the new train sets are ready, operations are expected to begin with an existing Shinkansen model, ensuring that passenger services can commence without waiting for the next-generation trains to enter production.
This decision reflects the long-term nature of the partnership, with both countries working together not only on infrastructure development but also on technological advancement and future railway innovation.
More Than a Transportation Project
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is expected to deliver benefits beyond faster travel. Experts believe it will contribute to technology transfer, skill development, employment generation, and the growth of India's manufacturing ecosystem.
Indian engineers and railway professionals are receiving specialized training in Japan, while domestic industries are increasingly participating in the construction and supply chain associated with the project. The experience gained through this corridor is expected to support the development of future high-speed rail networks across the country.
The project is also seen as an important step toward modernizing India's transport infrastructure and strengthening regional economic connectivity between major industrial and commercial centres.
India and Japan Continue to Deepen Strategic Ties
India and Japan share a long-standing Special Strategic and Global Partnership that extends across defence, trade, infrastructure, technology, energy, and regional security. The bullet train project has become one of the most visible examples of this cooperation.
Over the past decade, both countries have expanded collaboration in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies, resilient supply chains, and Indo-Pacific security. Regular high-level meetings between the leadership of both nations continue to reinforce their shared commitment to long-term cooperation.
Officials from both governments have consistently reaffirmed their confidence in the successful completion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project and have emphasized that it remains a priority initiative for both countries.
The MGMM Outlook
The Ministry of External Affairs' firm rejection of the allegations surrounding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project reinforces the importance of relying on official facts rather than individual opinions. The continued progress of construction, regular coordination with Japan, and the introduction of advanced Shinkansen technology indicate that the project remains firmly on track despite the challenges that accompany infrastructure projects of this scale. The government's response also highlights the strength of India-Japan diplomatic engagement, demonstrating that isolated remarks have not altered the commitment of either nation toward this landmark initiative.
Beyond transforming rail connectivity, the bullet train project represents India's broader ambition to build world-class infrastructure while strengthening technological capabilities and global partnerships. With technology transfer, skill development, employment generation, and greater participation of Indian industries, the project has the potential to create long-term economic benefits that extend far beyond faster travel. As construction continues to gather pace and bilateral cooperation deepens, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is poised to become a defining milestone in India's journey toward modern, future-ready infrastructure.
(Sources: News18, Moneycontrol, India Today)
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