{
  "id": 12281229,
  "title": "India’s bullet train not delayed, even Japan can’t do it in 10 yrs: High-speed rail body head",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/indias-bullet-train-not-delayed-even-japan-cant-do-it-in-10-yrs-high",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-06T02:19:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/business/india-bullet-train-not-delayed-even-japan-cant-do-it-10-yrs-high-speed-rail-body-head-10908311/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The head of the international high-speed rail association, Masafumi Shukuri, has defended India's fast-track bullet train project, stating that it is not delayed despite allegations to the contrary. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Shukuri pointed out that even Japan, which has 62 years of experience in building and operating high-speed trains, cannot complete a 500-kilometer stretch in just 10 years. The first high-speed rail project in Japan was launched in 1964. Shukuri emphasized the unique challenges India faces in building its first 500-kilometer bullet train, making the project a significant undertaking. He also acknowledged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition issues on the project's timeline. Despite these challenges, Shukuri remains optimistic about the project's progress, stating that it is moving forward strongly. The first section of the 508-kilometer Mumbai-Ahmedabad project between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat is set to begin operation by the end of 2027, with the entire project expected to be completed by 2029. India is developing its own bullet train set, the B28, which will operate at a maximum speed of 250 kmph, with manufacturing expected to be completed by April 2027 and commercial operation by December 2027. Shukuri also noted that India's decision to use its own rolling stock for the project is a positive step, but it must ensure the operation is stable, safe, and reliable.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "India's bullet train project not delayed, despite allegations",
    "Japan's 10-year limit for 500km high-speed rail construction challenged",
    "Mumbai-Ahmedabad section to begin operation by end of 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": "India's bullet train project faces unique challenges but is progressing strongly, with its own development of the B28 bullet train set marking a positive step towards stable, safe, and reliable operation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Voter list row: India court seeks explanations from election body",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/voter-list-row-india-court-seeks-explanations-from-election-body",
        "published": "2026-10-06T01:29:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}