India Dismisses Japanese Ex‑Minister's Bullet Train Critique

Former Japanese minister and ex‑state minister Hideki Makihara publicly criticised India’s handling of the Mumbai‑Ahmedabad high‑speed rail corridor, alleging “sheer recklessness” by the Indian side, claiming the project was delayed by changes to the signalling system and accusing India of sidelining Japan.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Makihara’s comments as an “individual opinion” and “at considerable variance with facts”. The ministry said discussions with Japan are progressing well, that signalling equipment ordered meets international specifications, and that no alternative Japanese proposal has been received. Construction is proceeding rapidly, with the first Surat‑Bilimora section slated to open in 2027 and full project completion targeted for around 2030 using an indigenously built high‑speed train before Japan supplies its next‑generation E10 Shinkansen in the early 2030s.

The ministry reaffirmed Japan’s role as a major financing and technology partner, providing about 81 % of project funding, and indicated that land‑acquisition delays are being addressed.