MEA Refutes Criticism from Japanese Engineer on Bullet Train Project

New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has recently addressed and refuted concerns raised by Hideki Makihara, a former Japanese railway engineer, regarding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. The MEA has stated that Makihara's comments reflect his personal opinion rather than a consensus or an official stance, emphasizing that they do not represent the ongoing cooperation between India and Japan.

During a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal articulated that discussions between India and Japan concerning the ambitious Bullet Train project are progressing smoothly. He highlighted that construction has gained significant momentum, countering the narrative presented by Makihara.

'Individual Opinion, At Variance With Facts'

The MEA's response comes in light of Makihara's critique of India's management of the high-speed rail corridor. The engineer, who has a background in railway engineering and currently resides in Delhi, suggested that the handling of the project was flawed and questioned India's commitment to its timely execution. Jaiswal characterized Makihara's remarks as misplaced, stating they were "an individual opinion" and "at considerable variance with the facts." He reaffirmed that the discussions between India and Japan regarding the project continue to advance positively, with both nations sharing a mutual goal of launching high-speed rail services as soon as possible.

First Section Still Targeted For 2027

The MEA has provided updates on the progress of the construction work, asserting that it has progressed rapidly. The first operational section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor is still targeted for completion and opening in 2027. This timeline is significant as it marks a major milestone in India's infrastructure development, particularly in the realm of high-speed rail. Additionally, the MEA noted that Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen train, which is expected to be utilized for the project, is still under development and is anticipated to be supplied only in the early 2030s.

In light of this timeline, both India and Japan have agreed to initiate operations using an Indian high-speed train to mitigate any potential delays in the project. This decision reflects a proactive approach to ensure that the project remains on track while the Japanese technology is finalized. Furthermore, the MEA has indicated that the signalling equipment necessary for the project has already been ordered and adheres to international specifications. Notably, the MEA also mentioned that no alternative signalling proposals had been received from Japan, suggesting that the current trajectory of the project remains aligned with the original agreements.

What The Former Japanese Engineer Claimed

Makihara's criticisms were articulated in a blog post he shared following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to India. In his post, he alleged that repeated changes in India's negotiating position had significantly hindered the progress of the high-speed rail project. He described India's approach during international discussions as "reckless," suggesting that the delays in implementing the high-speed rail corridor were "entirely on the Indian side." Furthermore, he expressed concerns that deviating from Japan's Shinkansen signalling system could not only impact the current project but also future railway cooperation between India and Japan.

Makihara's comments have sparked discussions about the complexities involved in international infrastructure projects, particularly those that rely on foreign technology and financing. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, which leverages Japanese Shinkansen technology and is primarily financed through concessional loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), stands as one of the flagship infrastructure initiatives under the India-Japan strategic partnership. This partnership has been characterized by a series of cooperative ventures aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in India, with the Bullet Train project being a centerpiece of this collaboration.

India-Japan Partnership Continues

Despite the criticism from Makihara, the MEA has maintained that the execution of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project continues to align with the shared objective of launching India's first Bullet Train service at the earliest possible date. The project is seen as a transformative initiative that could revolutionize rail travel in India, significantly reducing travel time between major cities and contributing to economic growth.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, which is approximately 508 kilometers long, is expected to feature advanced technology and infrastructure that could set new standards for rail travel in the country. The introduction of high-speed rail is anticipated to not only enhance passenger convenience but also stimulate economic development along the corridor, creating new opportunities for businesses and improving connectivity between urban and rural areas.

As the project moves forward, it will be critical for both Indian and Japanese stakeholders to maintain open lines of communication and collaboration to address any potential challenges that may arise. The successful completion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project could serve as a model for future infrastructure initiatives, showcasing the benefits of international cooperation in achieving ambitious development goals.

In conclusion, while the remarks from Hideki Makihara have raised valid concerns regarding the management and execution of the project, the MEA's response underscores the ongoing commitment of both India and Japan to work together towards the successful realization of the high-speed rail initiative. As the project progresses, it will be essential for both nations to remain focused on their shared objectives and navigate any obstacles that may come their way in order to achieve the vision of a modern and efficient rail network in India.