Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Delay: India Responsible for Delays, Claims Ex-Japan Minister Hideki Makihara

Former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara has alleged that delays in India's flagship Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project were caused by the Indian side, accusing officials of failing to honour commitments and prioritising "self-interest" during negotiations. His remarks came in response to an opinion article published by a Japanese railway expert, while Indian government sources maintained that discussions with Japan are progressing smoothly and the project continues to move forward.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, India's first bullet train project, is being developed using Japan's Shinkansen technology with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The first operational section is expected to begin phased passenger services on August 15, 2027. India's 1st Bullet Train To Begin Phased Operations From August 15, 2027, Starting With Surat–Bilimora Section.

Japan Minister Blames India for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Delay

Former Japanese Minister Makihara Levels Criticism

Makihara made the remarks in a post on X while responding to an opinion piece by Isao Tsujimura, a senior Japanese railway engineer and Delhi-based metro vehicle consultant, published on July 15 by Tokyo-based business publication Toyo Keizai Online.

According to an English translation of his Japanese-language post, Makihara wrote: "The Shinkansen project in India is something I was involved with myself, but what stood out in international meetings and negotiations was the sheer recklessness of the Indian side, repeated over and over." Indian Railways Clarifies Viral Bullet Train Photo at Rail Bhawan Is Only Representational.

He further alleged: "They just don't keep promises, no matter what. Even if they make a promise, they flip it right away." Makihara also accused Indian officials of negotiating solely in their own interest.

"They keep pushing their own self-interest right up to the very end. The minister in charge was especially awful. If the top guy's like that, there's no way to have any decent dealings." He added: "For the honour of all the Japanese folks who poured their hearts into this, I have to say it: I feel 100% that the reason this hasn't moved forward is entirely on the Indian side."

India Today Digital reported that it could not independently verify Makihara's direct involvement in the project.

Opinion Piece Questions Project's Direction

Makihara's comments followed an opinion article by Tsujimura, who clarified that he has no professional role in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project but has closely monitored its progress.

The railway engineer argued that India's bullet train project has diverged from the original Japanese Shinkansen model that Japan intended to export. He also claimed Indian officials privately knew that the original target of starting operations in 2023 was unrealistic.

Tsujimura recalled attending the project's groundbreaking ceremony in Ahmedabad in 2017, describing the optimism surrounding the initiative at the time.

Indian Government Rejects Concerns

Amid the criticism, ANI, citing Indian government sources, reported that discussions between India and Japan regarding the high-speed rail project are progressing well.

According to the report, both countries have agreed to begin operations using an Indian high-speed train, while Japan is expected to provide its next-generation E10 series trainsets in the early 2030s after their development is completed. Government sources also said the project remains aligned with the shared objective of commencing operations at the earliest.

Bullet Train Project Continues to Advance

Despite earlier delays linked largely to land acquisition challenges and political changes, construction has accelerated across viaducts, tunnels and stations.

The 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor will connect Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex with Ahmedabad through 12 stations across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Designed for an operational speed of 320 kmph, the corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from around eight hours to about two hours.

Indian authorities expect the first operational stretch, likely between Surat and Bilimora, to begin phased passenger services on August 15, 2027, with remaining sections opening in stages.

The project also forms part of India's broader plans to expand high-speed rail connectivity to cities including Delhi, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, while increasing domestic manufacturing of future trainsets through the Integral Coach Factory and BEML Limited.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is regarded as the flagship infrastructure partnership between India and Japan. The project is based largely on Japanese Shinkansen technology, incorporating Japanese signalling systems, ballastless tracks, operational safety standards and train technology, supported by long-term concessional financing from JICA.

While Makihara's remarks have highlighted differing perspectives on the project's progress, Indian authorities continue to state that bilateral cooperation remains on track and construction has gathered pace in recent months.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).