PM Modi Takes Bullet Train Ride With Japanese PM Ishiba, Reviews ALFA-X Capabilities
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On the second day of his Japan visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced a bullet train ride alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Photos of the journey have surfaced, with PM Ishiba sharing an update on social media platform X, writing: “Heading towards Sendai with PM Modi, enjoying this journey from inside the car.”
During the ride, JR East Chairman briefed PM Modi about the advanced ALFA-X (Class E956 Shinkansen) train, one of the fastest high-speed trains in the world. Prior to boarding, PM Modi interacted with Indian train drivers currently undergoing training in Japan, who are learning high-speed rail operations, safety technologies, and passenger service protocols under JR East’s guidance. Modi encouraged them and posed for photographs, boosting their morale.
The ALFA-X Shinkansen is capable of running at 400 km/h, nearly halving travel time between Tokyo and Sapporo from over seven hours to just three. The train features cutting-edge safety mechanisms including new air brakes, magnetic plates, and advanced braking systems designed to halt operations immediately during natural disasters like earthquakes. Its unique 16-meter-long aerodynamic nose design ensures reduced noise and greater stability at ultra-high speeds.
Experts believe that discussions between PM Modi and PM Ishiba could also touch upon expanding bullet train projects in India. In 2009, India had shortlisted five potential high-speed rail corridors, including the Pune-Ahmedabad and Delhi-Amritsar via Chandigarh routes. The visit may pave the way for renewed collaboration on such futuristic rail initiatives.
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