Indian loco pilots taking training to drive bullet trains in Japan; Amazing agility seen in 4 minute video

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 23, 2026

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Loco Pilot Training: India’s dream of high-speed rail is now very close to turning into reality. A special group of 15 Indian Railway professionals selected for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is currently undergoing intensive training in Japan. Recently, a video is becoming increasingly viral on social media, in which an Indian loco pilot is being trained on ‘Shinkansen’ under the supervision of Japanese instructors. Can be seen practicing driving a (Shinkansen) train.

What is Japanese ‘point-and-call’ technology?

Most noticeable in the viral video is the Indian loco pilot’s use of the Japanese safety method ‘point-and-call’. The practice of has drawn. In this particular technique, the driver physically points his finger at various devices during train operation and verbally confirms their status. In Japan this method is essentially used to minimize human errors and increase the driver’s situational awareness. Indian pilots are imbibing this Japanese rail discipline and safety culture.

🚨Indian loco pilots are getting training in Japan for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train Corridor. pic.twitter.com/0tXx6Ty1cb
— The Bharat (@TheBharatMatter) February 23, 2026

How were these pilots selected?

These 15 pilots have been selected on the basis of their previous experience in metro and conventional rail operations. This training program is being conducted in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and JR East. Its main objective is to not only make Indian officers technically competent but also to groom them to Japan’s world-renowned standards of safety and efficiency. The pilots-in-training also shared their experiences of adjusting to Japanese railway discipline.

Also read:- Mumbai Coastal Road will become ‘Oxygen Hub’: Sea of greenery will spread in 70 hectares, preparation for helipad and bird trail.

How far has the work of Bullet Train Project reached?

The construction work of the Bullet Train Project has now entered its final phase. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, the 508 km long project has achieved more than 56 percent physical progress till November. The completion of the construction of the first mountain tunnel in Palghar is a major achievement in this direction.

Mumbai to Ahmedabad in just 1 hour 58 minutes

The total estimated cost of this ambitious project is approximately Rs 1.08 lakh crore, of which more than Rs 85,338 crore has been spent so far. The maximum speed of the bullet train will be 320 km per hour, due to which the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad can be covered in just 1 hour 58 minutes. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has announced that the country’s first bullet train will start its maiden run on the 100-km stretch between Surat and Vapi on 15 August 2027.