Bullet train project: India eyes alternatives to Japan

Delays in commission-D ing ofthe ₹l.08 trillion Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train have prompted India to explore alternatives to Japan as the Union government is keen to launch the ambitious project in 2026, ahead ofthe Gujarat assembly election the following year, three people aware of the development said.

- Rajeevjayaswal & Rezaul H. Laskar

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project was approved by the Cabinet in December 2015.

While a section in the government is keen to complete it before the Gujarat polls expected in November 2027, Japanese suppliers and technology providers are unwilling to commit to the deadline. This has forced New Delhi to consider alternatives in Europe, the three people added, requesting anonymity.

"An internal directive to prepare global tenders for various components of the bullet train project was issued by the competent authority in mid-September, but floating of tenders is on hold because the regime in Japan has changed and the new government is being given time to respond," one of the three, a person directly associated with the project said.

The Union railway ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The Japanese government did not respond to queries sent to its embassy.