Hideki Makihara, a former Japanese minister, criticizes India for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, prompting a response from India's MEA.
New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: In a recent social media post, Hideki Makihara, Japan’s former Justice Minister and a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has stirred controversy by blaming India for significant delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project. The Indian government, however, has responded by asserting that cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo is progressing well, with plans to launch the first section of the project in 2027.
Makihara, who played a role in the railway project during his tenure as Japan’s vice minister of economy, trade, and industry, expressed his frustrations on July 15, stating that the Indian side's “sheer recklessness” was evident during meetings and negotiations. He accused India of failing to keep promises made regarding the project.
In response to these allegations, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, describing Makihara’s comments as “an individual opinion and at considerable variance with facts.” Jaiswal emphasized that discussions between India and Japan concerning the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed train are “progressing well,” and that construction work is advancing rapidly, with the first section expected to open in 2027.
Jaiswal further clarified that Japan would only be able to provide the E20 train series for the project in the early 2030s, as the train is still under development. Consequently, both nations have agreed to commence operations with an Indian high-speed train instead. He noted that the necessary signaling equipment has been ordered in accordance with international specifications, and that no offers from Japan were received in this context. “The project execution is in line with the common goal of starting the high-speed train project at the earliest,” he stated.
Makihara's social media post referenced an article by Isao Tsujimura, a Japanese engineer based in India, which claimed that India was opting for European-origin signaling equipment and a new Indian high-speed train for the initial launch, despite the fact that the majority of the project's funding is being provided by Japan. Tsujimura argued that this European-origin signaling system would be incompatible with Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, suggesting that “India's Shinkansen project will almost certainly end up being a pipe dream.”
In his post, Makihara expressed his personal involvement in the Shinkansen project in India, stating, “What stood out in international meetings and negotiations was the sheer recklessness of the Indian side, repeated over and over.” He further claimed, “They just don't keep promises, no matter what. Even if they make a promise, they flip it right away. 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.”
Makihara firmly stated that he felt “100% that the reason [the project] hasn't moved forward is entirely on the Indian side.”
According to the National High Speed Rail Corporation’s website, India's first bullet train project aims to establish a high-speed rail corridor spanning 508 kilometers, providing fast connectivity between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The high-speed train is expected to operate at a speed of 320 km/h, with 10 stops, and will connect the economies of Mumbai, Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.
The first section of the high-speed rail corridor, between Surat and Bilimoria, is now anticipated to open on August 15, 2027. However, the project has faced numerous delays and cost overruns since its inception in 2017, missing its original completion date of 2023.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project is a significant venture for both India and Japan, representing a landmark collaboration in infrastructure development. The project is financed largely through a loan from Japan, amounting to approximately $17 billion, which is to be repaid over 50 years at an interest rate of 0.1%. This financial arrangement underscores Japan's commitment to supporting India's infrastructure initiatives, while also promoting its own Shinkansen technology internationally.
Initially, the project was projected to be completed by 2023, but various factors have contributed to delays, including land acquisition issues, regulatory hurdles, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic significantly slowed down construction activities, leading to a reassessment of timelines and project milestones.
Furthermore, the choice of technology has also been a point of contention. The Shinkansen system is renowned for its punctuality and safety, and Japan has been keen to implement this technology in India. However, the Indian government has made decisions regarding the signaling systems and train models that have raised concerns among Japanese officials about compatibility and operational efficiency.
In light of these developments, the Indian government has emphasized its commitment to the project, with senior officials reiterating that the high-speed rail initiative is a priority. The project is expected to not only reduce travel time between the two cities but also stimulate economic growth and development in the region. The high-speed rail is anticipated to create jobs, enhance connectivity, and promote tourism, thus having a multiplier effect on the economy.
Despite the criticisms from Makihara, Indian officials remain optimistic about the project's future. They highlight the collaborative spirit between India and Japan, noting that both countries share a vision for a modernized transportation network that can cater to the needs of their growing populations. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is seen as a pilot project, with aspirations to expand high-speed rail networks to other parts of India in the future.
As the project progresses, the relationship between India and Japan will be closely monitored, particularly in the context of geopolitical dynamics in Asia. Both nations have been strengthening their ties in various sectors, including defense, trade, and technology. The high-speed rail project serves as a symbol of this partnership, and its successful implementation could pave the way for further collaborations in infrastructure and other areas.
In conclusion, while the statements from Makihara have sparked a debate about accountability and project management, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project. The outcome of this ambitious initiative will not only impact the transportation landscape in India but also reflect the broader dynamics of Indo-Japanese relations in the years to come.
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