India and Japan have agreed to operate domestically manufactured high-speed trainsets on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor using globally interoperable signalling technology, replacing Japan’s proprietary DS-ATC system.
Project Timeline and Testing Plans
Construction on the MAHSR corridor began in 2021 with Japanese technical experts involved in supervision. Civil works on the 97 km Surat-Vapi section are scheduled for completion in 2026. India aims to begin testing its indigenous bullet trains by mid-2027 and launch its first commercial high-speed rail service in August 2027.
Technical Collaboration and Signalling System Shift
Japanese technical experts from the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have overseen design, engineering standards, construction methodologies, and
quality assurance since the project inception. The decision to adopt a globally compatible, open signalling platform instead of Japan’s Digital Automatic Train Control (DS-ATC) system follows the inability of Japanese suppliers to meet timelines required for the Surat-Vapi section.
Official Responses and Bilateral Cooperation
A senior official described the initiative as “a flagship project for India and Japan,” emphasizing the shared goal of achieving commercial operations by 2027. Indian officials clarified that former Japanese law minister Hideki Makihara, who criticized the signalling system change and alleged project delays, is not involved in official bilateral talks. They stated that all key technical and operational decisions continue
to be jointly made by Indian and Japanese authorities.
Flagship Indo-Japan Rail Collaboration
This agreement signifies a major collaboration blending India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities with Japan’s technical expertise. Adoption of globally interoperable signalling technology reflects a shift towards open international standards in India’s high-speed rail infrastructure. The project aims to establish India’s first commercial high-speed rail service on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor by August 2027.
