The Government of India has strongly rejected remarks made by former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara, who alleged that delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project were caused by the Indian side. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the comments as the personal opinion of the former minister and said they did not accurately reflect the status of the landmark high-speed rail project.
Speaking during a recent interaction, Makihara reportedly claimed that delays were the result of India’s handling of the project, raising concerns over its implementation. In response, the MEA stated that the remarks showed a “considerable variance with facts” and emphasised that cooperation between India and Japan on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor continues to progress constructively through regular bilateral discussions.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is India’s first high-speed rail corridor and is being developed with significant financial and technological assistance from Japan. The project uses Japanese Shinkansen technology and is considered one of the most important infrastructure collaborations between the two countries. Once operational, the corridor is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad while introducing world-class rail technology to India.
Officials noted that the project has faced challenges over the years, including land acquisition issues, legal proceedings and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors contributed to changes in the original timeline. However, construction has accelerated in recent years, with major civil works progressing across Gujarat and Maharashtra and several stations, bridges and viaducts already under construction.
The MEA reiterated that India and Japan continue to maintain a strong strategic partnership extending beyond the bullet train project. Officials stressed that ongoing discussions between the two governments cover technology transfer, financing arrangements and future deployment of next-generation Shinkansen trains, reflecting the long-term nature of bilateral cooperation.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project remains one of India’s flagship transportation initiatives and is expected to transform intercity travel by offering faster, safer and more sustainable rail connectivity. While political remarks have generated debate, both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the project successfully. As construction continues and negotiations progress, the bullet train corridor is expected to play a significant role in modernising India’s railway infrastructure and strengthening India-Japan economic and technological ties.
