<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-kill-at-least-81-in-western-japan-150012">Heavy rains lashed parts of western Japan</a> on Thursday as tropical storm Krosa bore down on the country, forcing the cancellations of hundreds of flights and trains as authorities advised more than 400,000 people to evacuate.

Krosa, a Khmer word for crane, was heading northeast towards the smallest Japanese main island of Shikoku with sustained winds of 108 km per hour (67 mph) and gusts up to 162 km per hour (100 mph), with landfall likely in the early afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Authorities warned that the total rainfall in some areas could surpass 1,000 mm (39 inches) over 24 hours to Friday morning and advised some 446,000 people to evacuate, but as of Thursday morning, there were no reports of major flooding and only a handful of minor injuries.

"Given the predictions of record rains and high winds, we'd like to ask people in the affected areas to avoid going outside if they can and to make early preparations to evacuate if needed according to directions of the local authorities," Yoshihide Suga, chief cabinet secretary, told a news conference.

Eighteen people, including a baby, became trapped on Wednesday when a river rose suddenly as they were having a barbeque.

None were injured and preparations for their rescue were being made on Thursday morning.

The Shinkansen bullet train service was halted in one part of western Japan, as were all local train lines, and several highways were closed.

A total of 679 flights were cancelled, NHK national television said, snarling travel plans for thousands at the end of Japan's main summer holiday period.

"My flight got cancelled today, and without any trains running, there isn't anything I can do," one man told NHK.&nbsp;

More than 200 people died in torrential rains and flooding in parts of western Japan in 2018, areas that could also be hit by severe rains from Krosa.

Heavy rains lashed parts of western Japan on Thursday as tropical storm Krosa bore down on the country, forcing the cancellations of hundreds of flights and trains as authorities advised more than 400,000 people to evacuate.

Heavy rains lashed parts of western Japan on Thursday as tropical storm Krosa bore down on the country, forcing the cancellations of hundreds of flights and trains as authorities advised more than 400,000 people to evacuate. Krosa, a Khmer word for crane, was heading northeast towards the smallest Japanese main island of Shikoku with sustained winds of 108 km per hour (67 mph) and gusts up to 162 km per hour (100 mph), with landfall likely in the early afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Authorities warned that the total rainfall in some areas could surpass 1,000 mm (39 inches) over 24 hours to Friday morning and advised some 446,000 people to evacuate, but as of Thursday morning, there were no reports of major flooding and only a handful of minor injuries. "Given the predictions of record rains and high winds, we'd like to ask people in the affected areas to avoid going outside if they can and to make early preparations to evacuate if needed according to directions of the local authorities," Yoshihide Suga, chief cabinet secretary, told a news conference. Eighteen people, including a baby, became trapped on Wednesday when a river rose suddenly as they were having a barbeque. None were injured and preparations for their rescue were being made on Thursday morning. The Shinkansen bullet train service was halted in one part of western Japan, as were all local train lines, and several highways were closed. A total of 679 flights were cancelled, NHK national television said, snarling travel plans for thousands at the end of Japan's main summer holiday period. "My flight got cancelled today, and without any trains running, there isn't anything I can do," one man told NHK. More than 200 people died in torrential rains and flooding in parts of western Japan in 2018, areas that could also be hit by severe rains from Krosa.

Over 400,000 advised evacuating as the storm bears down on Japan

The world's fastest train, the Alpha-X has started testing in Japan. The fast train can reach 400 km/h. Watch the full video to know more.

Japan tests world's fastest bullet train, the ALFA-X

The Centre has announced a contest inviting suggestions for a suitable name and mascot design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) revealed that participants can submit entries till March 25.

At the end of the contest, the name of the train and the mascot will be shortlisted through a nominated committee and winners will be awarded a cash prize along with a certificate confirming their participation in the contest.

There will be five consolation prizes also in each category whose entries will be as good as winning entry but could not win because of certain minor details, the NHSRCL said in an official release.

"The mascot essentially should be a well-designed character which will personify the value system of NHSRCL and will also be able to communicate effectively. Naming the bullet train will provide it an identity which will help people to establish a connect with the bullet train," it added.

The bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will run a total length of 508 km, of which 21 km will be covered in the tunnel under the sea.

The cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 3,500 crores.

The total cost of the train project is Rs 1.10 trillion, and Japan is giving a loan of Rs. 88,000 crores for the same at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent, which has to be repaid over 50 years.&nbsp;

The Centre has announced a contest inviting suggestions for a suitable name and mascot design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) revealed that participants can submit entries till March 25.

The Centre has announced a contest inviting suggestions for a suitable name and mascot design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) revealed that participants can submit entries till March 25. At the end of the contest, the name of the train and the mascot will be shortlisted through a nominated committee and winners will be awarded a cash prize along with a certificate confirming their participation in the contest. There will be five consolation prizes also in each category whose entries will be as good as winning entry but could not win because of certain minor details, the NHSRCL said in an official release. "The mascot essentially should be a well-designed character which will personify the value system of NHSRCL and will also be able to communicate effectively. Naming the bullet train will provide it an identity which will help people to establish a connect with the bullet train," it added. The bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will run a total length of 508 km, of which 21 km will be covered in the tunnel under the sea. The cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 3,500 crores. The total cost of the train project is Rs 1.10 trillion, and Japan is giving a loan of Rs. 88,000 crores for the same at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent, which has to be repaid over 50 years.

Centre announces contest for naming bullet train, designing mascot

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said that the priority of the country's leadership should be to ensure that bulletproof jackets are provided to its soldiers, rather than focussing on bullet trains.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mr Yadav took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government's ambitious bullet train project and said, "Today, the country does not require a bullet train, it is more important that our soldiers get bulletproof jackets."

Akhilesh Yadav's comment comes in the wake of the terror on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama last week, in which over 40 soldiers were killed.

The Samajwadi Party leader also raised questions over intelligence agencies and called on the centre to formulate a long-term strategy for securing the country's borders.

"Why is our Intelligence failing? You can't compensate for the loss of lives. The nation stands by its security forces and jawans. If all political parties have put their political events on hold, the ruling party should do the same and form a long-term strategy to secure our borders," Mr Yadav said.

Earlier on Monday, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction from the central government to constitute a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge along with Army, intelligence and local administration to conduct an investigation into the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama terror attack.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said that the priority of the country's leadership should be to ensure that bulletproof jackets are provided to its soldiers, rather than focussing on bullet trains.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said that the priority of the country's leadership should be to ensure that bulletproof jackets are provided to its soldiers, rather than focussing on bullet trains. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mr Yadav took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government's ambitious bullet train project and said, "Today, the country does not require a bullet train, it is more important that our soldiers get bulletproof jackets." Akhilesh Yadav's comment comes in the wake of the terror on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama last week, in which over 40 soldiers were killed. The Samajwadi Party leader also raised questions over intelligence agencies and called on the centre to formulate a long-term strategy for securing the country's borders. "Why is our Intelligence failing? You can't compensate for the loss of lives. The nation stands by its security forces and jawans. If all political parties have put their political events on hold, the ruling party should do the same and form a long-term strategy to secure our borders," Mr Yadav said. Earlier on Monday, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction from the central government to constitute a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge along with Army, intelligence and local administration to conduct an investigation into the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama terror attack.

Don't need bullet train, soldiers should get bulletproof jackets: Akhilesh Yadav

The Gujarat government on Thursday announced the doubling of compensation for farmers whose agricultural land situated in urban areas will be acquired for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.

As per the Union government's prevailing compensation rates for land acquisition, landowners in rural areas get four times the market rate while the same is two times the market rate for agricultural land parcels falling in Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) and Area Development Authorities(ADAs).

Gujarat Revenue Minister Kaushik Patel on Thursday said that the state government had decided that farmers having their land under UDAs or ADAs would also get four times the market rate like their rural counterparts.

"We have taken this decision to expedite the land acquisition process for the bullet train project. Now, villages which fall in urban regions would also be entitled to get compensation four times the market rate" said Mr Patel.

In addition, the farmers would also get an additional 25 per cent "bonus" on the compensation amount agreed by the farmers and acquiring authority, he added.

The minister said that the process to acquire 681 hectares of land spread across eight districts for the project was going on in full swing.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project currently faces land acquisition hurdles in several parts of the state and farmers have also approached Gujarat High Court over it.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited, a special purpose vehicle of the Railways and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The 508-kilometre corridor would require around 1,400 hectares of land in Gujarat and Maharashtra, 1,120 hectares of which is privately owned. Around 6,000 landowners will have to be compensated.

The Gujarat government on Thursday announced the doubling of compensation for farmers whose agricultural land situated in urban areas will be acquired for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.

The Gujarat government on Thursday announced the doubling of compensation for farmers whose agricultural land situated in urban areas will be acquired for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor. As per the Union government's prevailing compensation rates for land acquisition, landowners in rural areas get four times the market rate while the same is two times the market rate for agricultural land parcels falling in Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) and Area Development Authorities(ADAs). Gujarat Revenue Minister Kaushik Patel on Thursday said that the state government had decided that farmers having their land under UDAs or ADAs would also get four times the market rate like their rural counterparts. "We have taken this decision to expedite the land acquisition process for the bullet train project. Now, villages which fall in urban regions would also be entitled to get compensation four times the market rate" said Mr Patel. In addition, the farmers would also get an additional 25 per cent "bonus" on the compensation amount agreed by the farmers and acquiring authority, he added. The minister said that the process to acquire 681 hectares of land spread across eight districts for the project was going on in full swing. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project currently faces land acquisition hurdles in several parts of the state and farmers have also approached Gujarat High Court over it. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited, a special purpose vehicle of the Railways and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The 508-kilometre corridor would require around 1,400 hectares of land in Gujarat and Maharashtra, 1,120 hectares of which is privately owned. Around 6,000 landowners will have to be compensated.

For bullet train, double compensation for Gujarat farmers in urban areas

India&nbsp;is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project following protests by fruit growers, government officials said, likely delaying one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious projects.

Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week, as&nbsp;Indian officials seek to reassure Tokyo that the hurdles can be overcome through intense negotiations with sapota and mango growers in Maharashtra.

Protests, backed by local politicians, have flared up in recent months against attempts to secure sections of a 108-km stretch, which is around one-fifth of the entire bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the largest commercial city in Modi's home state Gujarat.

"I've worked hard for three decades to develop this plantation, and they are asking me to hand over this land," sapota farmer Dashrat Purav, 62, said as he showed his orchard in the town of Palghar, a three-hour-drive north of Mumbai.

"I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children."

Purav said he would sell his land only if at least one of his two unemployed sons was promised a government job.

Protests against land acquisitions are common in&nbsp;India, where tens of millions of farmers till small holdings. A planned $44 billion refinery to be run by a consortium including Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, is also struggling to secure land in Maharashtra.

"Land acquisition for any project is complex in&nbsp;India," said Dhananjay Kumar, spokesman for the National High-Speed Rail Corp Ltd (NHSRCL) that is overseeing the project. "Here also we are facing difficulty because of so much resistance."

Failure to procure the bullet train land by the deadline would delay disbursal of soft-loans by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a government development body, which is reviewing the project next month, said two senior officials with the state-run&nbsp;Indian Railways, declining to be named.

A JICA spokeswoman said that&nbsp;India&nbsp;must create&nbsp;relocation plans for local residents and make them public in order to enter into a loan agreement covering the main part of the bullet train project.

"It is possible that it takes time to sign a contract as&nbsp;India&nbsp;takes proper and careful measures in line with JICA's guidelines for environmental and social considerations," she said.

To assuage Japan's concerns,&nbsp;Indian officials have sought a meeting this month with transport ministry officials in Tokyo, one of the&nbsp;Indian officials said.&nbsp;India&nbsp;wants the project's completion target to be advanced by a year to 2022, the 75th year of&nbsp;India's independence.

A Japanese transport ministry official who deals with the bullet train project said that&nbsp;Indian officials had told them that "they can manage" the land acquisition.

"We will continue to work together with the&nbsp;Indian government to bring this project forward with an aim to start operation in 2023," the official said.

Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan. Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp, JFE Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba Corp and Hitachi are likely to supply at least 70 percent of the core components of the rail line, sources told Reuters in January.

Modi has called the project crucial for his pet "Make in&nbsp;India" campaign aimed at lifting the share of manufacturing in&nbsp;India's $2 trillion economy. The government also hopes to generate hundreds of jobs through the train project, and hence is pushing hard to finish it on time.

To sweeten the terms for people opposed to selling their land,&nbsp;Indian Railways has put its weight behind NHSRCL, pledging funds from its own welfare scheme to build schools and community halls, one of the officials said.

Ashwani Lohani, chairman of the&nbsp;Indian Railway Board, said the issues with farmers were not insurmountable.

The government has offered to buy land at a 25per centt premium to the market value, the two government officials said. Farmers are also being offered resettlement dues of 500,000 rupees ($7,409) or 50 percent of the land value, whichever is higher.

However, local political opposition in Palghar, ahead of a general election next year, has fanned the protests. Opponents say the bullet train is wasteful and the money would be better used upgrading the country's rickety rail infrastructure. Farmers have threatened a hunger strike.

Last week, farmers and local activists disrupted a public hearing conducted by NHSRCL, its second attempt to hold such an event in less than a month. The first one last month was also cut short by protests.

"In coming weeks, we will intensify the protests," said Nilam&nbsp;Gorhe, a spokesman for Shiv Sena, a regional party that has an on-off relationship with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

'I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children'

India is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project following protests by fruit growers, government officials said, likely delaying one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious projects. Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week, as Indian officials seek to reassure Tokyo that the hurdles can be overcome through intense negotiations with sapota and mango growers in Maharashtra. Protests, backed by local politicians, have flared up in recent months against attempts to secure sections of a 108-km stretch, which is around one-fifth of the entire bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the largest commercial city in Modi's home state Gujarat. "I've worked hard for three decades to develop this plantation, and they are asking me to hand over this land," sapota farmer Dashrat Purav, 62, said as he showed his orchard in the town of Palghar, a three-hour-drive north of Mumbai. "I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children." Purav said he would sell his land only if at least one of his two unemployed sons was promised a government job. Protests against land acquisitions are common in India, where tens of millions of farmers till small holdings. A planned $44 billion refinery to be run by a consortium including Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, is also struggling to secure land in Maharashtra. "Land acquisition for any project is complex in India," said Dhananjay Kumar, spokesman for the National High-Speed Rail Corp Ltd (NHSRCL) that is overseeing the project. "Here also we are facing difficulty because of so much resistance." Failure to procure the bullet train land by the deadline would delay disbursal of soft-loans by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a government development body, which is reviewing the project next month, said two senior officials with the state-run Indian Railways, declining to be named. A JICA spokeswoman said that India must create relocation plans for local residents and make them public in order to enter into a loan agreement covering the main part of the bullet train project. "It is possible that it takes time to sign a contract as India takes proper and careful measures in line with JICA's guidelines for environmental and social considerations," she said. To assuage Japan's concerns, Indian officials have sought a meeting this month with transport ministry officials in Tokyo, one of the Indian officials said. India wants the project's completion target to be advanced by a year to 2022, the 75th year of India's independence. A Japanese transport ministry official who deals with the bullet train project said that Indian officials had told them that "they can manage" the land acquisition. "We will continue to work together with the Indian government to bring this project forward with an aim to start operation in 2023," the official said. Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan. Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp, JFE Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba Corp and Hitachi are likely to supply at least 70 percent of the core components of the rail line, sources told Reuters in January. Modi has called the project crucial for his pet "Make in India" campaign aimed at lifting the share of manufacturing in India's $2 trillion economy. The government also hopes to generate hundreds of jobs through the train project, and hence is pushing hard to finish it on time. To sweeten the terms for people opposed to selling their land, Indian Railways has put its weight behind NHSRCL, pledging funds from its own welfare scheme to build schools and community halls, one of the officials said. Ashwani Lohani, chairman of the Indian Railway Board, said the issues with farmers were not insurmountable. The government has offered to buy land at a 25per centt premium to the market value, the two government officials said. Farmers are also being offered resettlement dues of 500,000 rupees ($7,409) or 50 percent of the land value, whichever is higher. However, local political opposition in Palghar, ahead of a general election next year, has fanned the protests. Opponents say the bullet train is wasteful and the money would be better used upgrading the country's rickety rail infrastructure. Farmers have threatened a hunger strike. Last week, farmers and local activists disrupted a public hearing conducted by NHSRCL, its second attempt to hold such an event in less than a month. The first one last month was also cut short by protests. "In coming weeks, we will intensify the protests," said Nilam Gorhe, a spokesman for Shiv Sena, a regional party that has an on-off relationship with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

India set to miss key target for Japan-backed bullet train project

Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March will be the theme of Sabarmati Station in Ahmedabad which will be the terminating station of the proposed high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai-Ahmedabad, a senior official said yesterday.

Passengers boarding the bullet train from Sabarmati Station will have to pay Rs. 3,000 to reach Mumbai, he told reporters.

It would the first bullet train station whose design has been finalised by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd.

Achal Khare, the managing director of NHSRCL, said the cost of building the station is approximately Rs. 250 crore.

He said the station area will have a three-level parking that can accommodate around 1,500 vehicles. While one level will be for cars, another will be for bus and the third will be for autos, thus ensuring seamless travel for passengers.

While passengers from two metro stations and stations on the Indian Railway network can arrive at Sabarmati passenger terminal hub, they can move to Sabarmati Station via a foot-over-bridge connecting the two buildings, which are 400 metres apart and board the bullet train from there.

"It will be a state-of-art complex with Dandi March being the theme of the edifice," Mr Khare said.

Roof-top solar panels will be designed resembling a revolving charkha and the terminal will be connected with a 400-metre foot-over-bridge with the platforms.

Construction work for the government's ambitious project is expected to start from December this year after completion of the land acquisition, Mr Khare said.

The proposed bullet train will run approximately 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad at a top speed of 320 kmph. It will make 70 trips per day between Mumbai and Ahmedabad at an interval of 20 minutes and each rake will have 10 coaches.

The deadline for the project is August 15, 2022.

It will be a state-of-art complex with Dandi March being the theme of the edifice.

Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March will be the theme of Sabarmati Station in Ahmedabad which will be the terminating station of the proposed high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai-Ahmedabad, a senior official said yesterday. Passengers boarding the bullet train from Sabarmati Station will have to pay Rs. 3,000 to reach Mumbai, he told reporters. It would the first bullet train station whose design has been finalised by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. Achal Khare, the managing director of NHSRCL, said the cost of building the station is approximately Rs. 250 crore. He said the station area will have a three-level parking that can accommodate around 1,500 vehicles. While one level will be for cars, another will be for bus and the third will be for autos, thus ensuring seamless travel for passengers. While passengers from two metro stations and stations on the Indian Railway network can arrive at Sabarmati passenger terminal hub, they can move to Sabarmati Station via a foot-over-bridge connecting the two buildings, which are 400 metres apart and board the bullet train from there. "It will be a state-of-art complex with Dandi March being the theme of the edifice," Mr Khare said. Roof-top solar panels will be designed resembling a revolving charkha and the terminal will be connected with a 400-metre foot-over-bridge with the platforms. Construction work for the government's ambitious project is expected to start from December this year after completion of the land acquisition, Mr Khare said. The proposed bullet train will run approximately 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad at a top speed of 320 kmph. It will make 70 trips per day between Mumbai and Ahmedabad at an interval of 20 minutes and each rake will have 10 coaches. The deadline for the project is August 15, 2022.

India's first Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train terminal will have Dandi march theme

Japan has launched a new high-speed bullet train. The brand new Shinkansen N700S, also known as Shinkansen &#39;Supreme&#39;, will run between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after debuting in the year 2020.&nbsp;

Shinkansen has been rolled out by the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) and will operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Japan: New ???????????? &#39;Supreme&rsquo; Shinkansen ????????????unveiled prior to 2020 debut <a href="https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR">https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onlyjapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onlyjapan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/n700s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#n700s</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%96%B0%E5%B9%B9%E7%B7%9A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#新幹線</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/N700%E7%B3%BB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#N700系</a> <a href="https://t.co/03DrhyZcEt">pic.twitter.com/03DrhyZcEt</a>
&mdash; Chris P King ???? (@TheTrainHacker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTrainHacker/status/974984953879506944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month.

The N700S boasts of a trendier, sleeker look and less noise when compared to the previous models.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shinkansen trains in Japan are so cool! <a href="https://t.co/grCv6cmY8p">pic.twitter.com/grCv6cmY8p</a>
&mdash; John Schuzer (@JSchuzer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSchuzer/status/974207962913718272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The train will have 16-car bogie and is estimated to be around 11 tons lighter than the older variants. The train will run at the maximum speed of 300km per hour.

Shinkansen will have all passenger seats equipped with power sockets for charging electronic devices and enhanced leg space for passengers travelling in first class.&nbsp;

Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month

Japan has launched a new high-speed bullet train. The brand new Shinkansen N700S, also known as Shinkansen 'Supreme', will run between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after debuting in the year 2020. Shinkansen has been rolled out by the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) and will operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Japan: New ???????????? 'Supreme’ Shinkansen ????????????unveiled prior to 2020 debut https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR #tth #onlyjapan #n700s #新幹線 #N700系 pic.twitter.com/03DrhyZcEt — Chris P King ???? (@TheTrainHacker) March 17, 2018 × Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month. The N700S boasts of a trendier, sleeker look and less noise when compared to the previous models. Shinkansen trains in Japan are so cool! pic.twitter.com/grCv6cmY8p — John Schuzer (@JSchuzer) March 15, 2018 × The train will have 16-car bogie and is estimated to be around 11 tons lighter than the older variants. The train will run at the maximum speed of 300km per hour. Shinkansen will have all passenger seats equipped with power sockets for charging electronic devices and enhanced leg space for passengers travelling in first class.

Watch: 'Supreme' bullet train gets launched in Japan

Recently I was travelling to Varanasi with my mother, brother, brother&#39;s wife, nephew and lots of cockroaches. I did not invite them; they were provided by the Indian railways to accompany me so that the journey doesn&#39;t turn out to be boring. I mean, of course, you definitely need friends and family and pets to enjoy your journey.

&nbsp;

Cockroaches as pets, that is a revolutionary idea. The vicious thought of killing them will be gone.

&nbsp;

Indian Railways is also fond of rats. It is the single largest settlement for rats around the world. Not only rats, bedbugs and termites are favourites too. You will find them inside the berths. Don&#39;t forget to say &quot;Hi&quot; on your next visit. There are many unidentified living organisms are there. Next time, I will carry an insect encyclopedia whenever I am travelling again.

&nbsp;

Indian Railways appears to be more &quot;animal-friendly&quot; than human-friendly.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Maybe, the Indian Railways have a soft corner for insects and animals, but I definitely loathe the idea of travelling with cockroaches and bedbugs. As a passenger, I had the worst time travelling in &quot;Sramjivi Express&quot;.

&nbsp;

With a network of 65000 km, India stands at rank 4 when it comes to world&#39;s longest railway networks. But it severely lacks in terms quality of facilities.

&nbsp;

The condition of toilets is miserable. Toilets were introduced in 1909 in Indian railways. Even after 100 years, there is no such development that would make India stand out among other countries.

&nbsp;

The security system is very poor. Theft and loot are happing on a daily basis. Even if you are travelling in A/C coaches or reserved coaches, there will be free mobility of people inside the coach, during the day and night as well. You will find random people sleeping on the floor inside the reserved coaches.

&nbsp;

The worst part is to climb at upper berth, not for me, but for my mother or for someone with joints problem. Senior citizen and pregnant ladies struggle to climb and settle at the upper berth. And being there at upper and middle berth you end up asking redundant questions like, &quot;which station is this?&quot; There is an urgent need for digital display inside all the coaches. That will help the commuters to know &quot;which station is this&quot; even at 3 AM.

&nbsp;

Another incident happened in my recent journey that raised the level of my frustration and that was the coach position. At the platform, we were waiting where coach B1 was displayed. When the train arrived the coach was positioned exactly opposite. It was so difficult to run to another end with a 60-year-old woman, a year old baby and 3 heavy bags. Most of the time the coach name and number are not displayed on the digital screens, which trouble the passengers.

&nbsp;

The infrastructure as a whole is so inappropriate for specially abled and people with special needs. Ramps and over bridges are overcrowded. Lifts do not function most of the time.

&nbsp;

Indian Railways is in terrible condition. From getting the reservation done to boarding the train, there are many flaws that have to be rectified immediately. Most of the trains are running late, few getting cancelled on the everyday basis. Improper sockets, a lesser number of fans, inadequate water supply, broken water taps and many other drawbacks have to be taken care by Indian Railways as soon as possible.

&nbsp;

India campaigns to be a hygiene conscious country but on the other hand, it discharges the excreta on the track. I am not comparing it with other developed and developing countries, but when Indian government is claiming that it will introduce bullet trains, then the question arises whether it is relevant to get along with the idea of introducing bullet trains before revamping the existing condition of Indian Railways?

&nbsp;

Dear Indian Railways, &quot;Inconvenience caused is deeply regretted&quot;, doesn&#39;t pacify the pain you give on an everyday basis.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Railways appears to be more "animal-friendly" than human-friendly.

Recently I was travelling to Varanasi with my mother, brother, brother's wife, nephew and lots of cockroaches. I did not invite them; they were provided by the Indian railways to accompany me so that the journey doesn't turn out to be boring. I mean, of course, you definitely need friends and family and pets to enjoy your journey. Cockroaches as pets, that is a revolutionary idea. The vicious thought of killing them will be gone. Indian Railways is also fond of rats. It is the single largest settlement for rats around the world. Not only rats, bedbugs and termites are favourites too. You will find them inside the berths. Don't forget to say "Hi" on your next visit. There are many unidentified living organisms are there. Next time, I will carry an insect encyclopedia whenever I am travelling again. Indian Railways appears to be more "animal-friendly" than human-friendly. Maybe, the Indian Railways have a soft corner for insects and animals, but I definitely loathe the idea of travelling with cockroaches and bedbugs. As a passenger, I had the worst time travelling in "Sramjivi Express". With a network of 65000 km, India stands at rank 4 when it comes to world's longest railway networks. But it severely lacks in terms quality of facilities. The condition of toilets is miserable. Toilets were introduced in 1909 in Indian railways. Even after 100 years, there is no such development that would make India stand out among other countries. The security system is very poor. Theft and loot are happing on a daily basis. Even if you are travelling in A/C coaches or reserved coaches, there will be free mobility of people inside the coach, during the day and night as well. You will find random people sleeping on the floor inside the reserved coaches. The worst part is to climb at upper berth, not for me, but for my mother or for someone with joints problem. Senior citizen and pregnant ladies struggle to climb and settle at the upper berth. And being there at upper and middle berth you end up asking redundant questions like, "which station is this?" There is an urgent need for digital display inside all the coaches. That will help the commuters to know "which station is this" even at 3 AM. Another incident happened in my recent journey that raised the level of my frustration and that was the coach position. At the platform, we were waiting where coach B1 was displayed. When the train arrived the coach was positioned exactly opposite. It was so difficult to run to another end with a 60-year-old woman, a year old baby and 3 heavy bags. Most of the time the coach name and number are not displayed on the digital screens, which trouble the passengers. The infrastructure as a whole is so inappropriate for specially abled and people with special needs. Ramps and over bridges are overcrowded. Lifts do not function most of the time. Indian Railways is in terrible condition. From getting the reservation done to boarding the train, there are many flaws that have to be rectified immediately. Most of the trains are running late, few getting cancelled on the everyday basis. Improper sockets, a lesser number of fans, inadequate water supply, broken water taps and many other drawbacks have to be taken care by Indian Railways as soon as possible. India campaigns to be a hygiene conscious country but on the other hand, it discharges the excreta on the track. I am not comparing it with other developed and developing countries, but when Indian government is claiming that it will introduce bullet trains, then the question arises whether it is relevant to get along with the idea of introducing bullet trains before revamping the existing condition of Indian Railways? Dear Indian Railways, "Inconvenience caused is deeply regretted", doesn't pacify the pain you give on an everyday basis. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Travelling with cockroaches in Indian Railways

A crack has been found in a Japanese &quot;bullet train&quot; that could have caused a derailment, officials said today, in the first-ever &quot;serious incident&quot; for the iconic mode of transport.

Crew aboard a &quot;shinkansen&quot; bullet train reported a burning smell and strange noises when it pulled out of a station in southern Japan on Monday.

The train stopped for checks at Nagoya station in central Japan and inspectors discovered a crack in the chassis under one carriage as well as an oil leak.

If the train had continued to run, the crack could have caused it to derail in the worst-case scenario, transport officials said.

About 1,000 passengers aboard were unhurt and they continued their journey on fresh trains.

&quot;We recognise it as a &#39;serious incident&#39; as it was an extraordinary case... It could have led to an accident,&quot; said an official at the Japan Transport Safety Board.

It is the first such &quot;serious incident&quot; since the predecessor to the safety board was created in 2001, she said.

&quot;We have sent three inspectors (to Nagoya) to find out the cause. Their report will include measures to prevent a recurrence,&quot; said the official, who declined to be named.

Japanese shinkansens have been derailed before due to earthquakes but no-one has been hurt.

If the train had continued to run, the crack could have caused it to derail in the worst-case scenario, transport officials said

A crack has been found in a Japanese "bullet train" that could have caused a derailment, officials said today, in the first-ever "serious incident" for the iconic mode of transport. Crew aboard a "shinkansen" bullet train reported a burning smell and strange noises when it pulled out of a station in southern Japan on Monday. The train stopped for checks at Nagoya station in central Japan and inspectors discovered a crack in the chassis under one carriage as well as an oil leak. If the train had continued to run, the crack could have caused it to derail in the worst-case scenario, transport officials said. About 1,000 passengers aboard were unhurt and they continued their journey on fresh trains. "We recognise it as a 'serious incident' as it was an extraordinary case... It could have led to an accident," said an official at the Japan Transport Safety Board. It is the first such "serious incident" since the predecessor to the safety board was created in 2001, she said. "We have sent three inspectors (to Nagoya) to find out the cause. Their report will include measures to prevent a recurrence," said the official, who declined to be named. Japanese shinkansens have been derailed before due to earthquakes but no-one has been hurt.

First 'serious incident' for Japan bullet train as crack found

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday, Goyal, who has maintained an active existence on social media platforms took to Quora this time to address his audience.&nbsp;

A Quora user who posed a question: &quot;Does India actually need a bullet train?&quot;, would not have seen it coming when Piyush Goyal gave his rather elaborate answer, citing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/piyush-goyal-assures-people-indian-bullet-train-will-be-safe-20109">advantages of the bullet train</a> and also included infographics.&nbsp;

&ldquo;India is a rapidly developing economy with numerous developmental needs. A major component of India&rsquo;s developmental plan is the upgradation of current rail networks as well as the development of new high-speed rail corridors popularly known as bullet trains. The Mumbai &ndash; Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, is a visionary project by the NDA Government which will herald a new era of safety, speed and service for the people, and help Indian Railways become an international leader in scale, speed, and skill,&rdquo; Goyal claimed.

&quot;New technology has not always been adopted easily and has at most times seen resistance. However, history shows us that new technology and advancements are highly beneficial for the country. For example, we see that naysayers had also criticised the start of the Rajdhani Trains in 1968. Even the chairman of the railway board opposed it; such things keep India backward. But today, they are the trains that everyone wishes to travel in&quot;&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

He mentioned how the &#39;Bullet Train&#39; project will also help Indian Railways revolutionize every passenger&rsquo;s journey and then stated few pointers explaining the same.&nbsp;

He finally added, &quot;The bullet train project will not only add to the rail networks in terms of transport capabilities but will also add to the growing capabilities of the country.&quot;

His answer went viral instantly, reaching 33,000 views in just a couple of hours.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/india-advances-bullet-train-deadline-by-one-year-to-2022-4944">The 500-km railway will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India, with services planned to commence in 2022.&nbsp;</a>

His answer went viral instantly, reaching 33,000 views in just a couple of hours.?

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday, Goyal, who has maintained an active existence on social media platforms took to Quora this time to address his audience. A Quora user who posed a question: "Does India actually need a bullet train?", would not have seen it coming when Piyush Goyal gave his rather elaborate answer, citing the advantages of the bullet train and also included infographics. “India is a rapidly developing economy with numerous developmental needs. A major component of India’s developmental plan is the upgradation of current rail networks as well as the development of new high-speed rail corridors popularly known as bullet trains. The Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, is a visionary project by the NDA Government which will herald a new era of safety, speed and service for the people, and help Indian Railways become an international leader in scale, speed, and skill,” Goyal claimed. "New technology has not always been adopted easily and has at most times seen resistance. However, history shows us that new technology and advancements are highly beneficial for the country. For example, we see that naysayers had also criticised the start of the Rajdhani Trains in 1968. Even the chairman of the railway board opposed it; such things keep India backward. But today, they are the trains that everyone wishes to travel in" he said. He mentioned how the 'Bullet Train' project will also help Indian Railways revolutionize every passenger’s journey and then stated few pointers explaining the same. He finally added, "The bullet train project will not only add to the rail networks in terms of transport capabilities but will also add to the growing capabilities of the country." His answer went viral instantly, reaching 33,000 views in just a couple of hours. The 500-km railway will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India, with services planned to commence in 2022.

Piyush Goyal answers questions on bullet trains on Quora

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday that November 8, 2016 was a black day for the Indian economy and democracy.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
8th November was a black day for our economy &amp; indeed our democracy: Former PM Manmohan Singh in Gujarat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Demonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Demonetisation</a> <a href="https://t.co/FTdSND8Dpz">pic.twitter.com/FTdSND8Dpz</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/927789079554428928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Singh was speaking in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

November 8, tomorrow, is the first anniversary of demonetisation.&nbsp;

&quot;Tomorrow we mark one year since the disastrous policy was thrust on the people of our country,&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;

He added that no other country in the world has taken such a &quot;drastic&quot; step that got rid, in one fell swoop, of 86 per cent of its currency.&nbsp;

Singh added that &quot;coercive steps like demonetisation&quot; are ineffective at reaching the goal of a less-cash economy.&nbsp;

Organised loot and legalised plunder

&quot;I repeat what I said in parliament,&quot; Singh said. &quot;This was organised loot and legalised plunder.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I repeat what I said in the parliament, this was organised loot &amp; legalized plunder: Manmohan Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Demonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Demonetisation</a> <a href="https://t.co/AZY56cy8Pl">pic.twitter.com/AZY56cy8Pl</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/927789860756250624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;This twin (demonetisation and GST) blow is (a) complete disaster for our economy, it has broken the back of our small businesses,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Singh added that the net result of the two moves was an increase in Chinese imports and the loss of Indian jobs.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We had to run for Chinese imports at the cost of Indian jobs: Manmohan Singh on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Demonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Demonetisation</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GST?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GST</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/927790972854968321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;In first half of 2016-17, India&#39;s imports from China stood at Rs 1.96 lakh crore. In 2017-18, it increased to Rs 2.41 lakh crore,&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;

&quot;Unprecedented growth of imports by over Rs 45,000 Cr, a 23% increase in a year, can be attributed largely to demonetisation, GST,&quot; Singh added.&nbsp;

&quot;The fear of tax terrorism has eroded the confidence of Indian business to invest,&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;

In contrast, Singh said of his time in power, &quot;I can proudly say that we lifted 140 million people out of poverty.&quot;&nbsp;

Bullet train exercise in vanity 
And still Singh continued his attack on the government.&nbsp;

The bullet train, he said, launched with much fanfare, is an exercise in vanity.&nbsp;

He asked whether the prime minister had considered the alternative of upgrading the broad gauge railway?

And he asked whether questioning the bullet train made one anti-development? Does questioning GST &amp; demonetisation make one a tax evader?&nbsp;

&quot;This attitude of suspecting everyone to be (a) thief or anti-national, low-level rhetoric is damaging to democratic discourse,&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

November 8, tomorrow, is the first anniversary of demonetisation

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday that November 8, 2016 was a black day for the Indian economy and democracy. 8th November was a black day for our economy & indeed our democracy: Former PM Manmohan Singh in Gujarat #Demonetisation pic.twitter.com/FTdSND8Dpz — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2017 × Singh was speaking in Ahmedabad. November 8, tomorrow, is the first anniversary of demonetisation. "Tomorrow we mark one year since the disastrous policy was thrust on the people of our country," Singh said. He added that no other country in the world has taken such a "drastic" step that got rid, in one fell swoop, of 86 per cent of its currency. Singh added that "coercive steps like demonetisation" are ineffective at reaching the goal of a less-cash economy. Organised loot and legalised plunder "I repeat what I said in parliament," Singh said. "This was organised loot and legalised plunder." I repeat what I said in the parliament, this was organised loot & legalized plunder: Manmohan Singh #Demonetisation pic.twitter.com/AZY56cy8Pl — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2017 × "This twin (demonetisation and GST) blow is (a) complete disaster for our economy, it has broken the back of our small businesses," he added. Singh added that the net result of the two moves was an increase in Chinese imports and the loss of Indian jobs. We had to run for Chinese imports at the cost of Indian jobs: Manmohan Singh on #Demonetisation & #GST — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2017 × "In first half of 2016-17, India's imports from China stood at Rs 1.96 lakh crore. In 2017-18, it increased to Rs 2.41 lakh crore," Singh said. "Unprecedented growth of imports by over Rs 45,000 Cr, a 23% increase in a year, can be attributed largely to demonetisation, GST," Singh added. "The fear of tax terrorism has eroded the confidence of Indian business to invest," Singh said. In contrast, Singh said of his time in power, "I can proudly say that we lifted 140 million people out of poverty." Bullet train exercise in vanity And still Singh continued his attack on the government. The bullet train, he said, launched with much fanfare, is an exercise in vanity. He asked whether the prime minister had considered the alternative of upgrading the broad gauge railway? And he asked whether questioning the bullet train made one anti-development? Does questioning GST & demonetisation make one a tax evader? "This attitude of suspecting everyone to be (a) thief or anti-national, low-level rhetoric is damaging to democratic discourse," Singh said.

I repeat... was organised loot and legalised plunder: Manmohan Singh on demonetisation

General Electric Co said on Tuesday that the Indian government&#39;s &quot;Make in India&quot;&nbsp;initiative would be undermined if the country&#39;s railway ministry went ahead with changes to a joint venture with the conglomerate. 
&nbsp; 
Any changes to the joint venture will put future foreign investment at risk and cause the government to incur substantial costs, GE said in an emailed statement. 
&nbsp; 
GE had won a $2.6 billion contract in 2015 to supply Indian Railways with 1,000 diesel locomotives. 
&nbsp; 
The Economic Times newspaper reported last week that the ministry told the company the railways would not require diesel locomotives in the future and offered the American company an option to manufacture electric locomotives at its upcoming factory in the eastern state of Bihar. 
&nbsp; 
Under the deal, GE is also to build two maintenance sheds elsewhere in the country to service the locomotives over an 11-year period. 
&nbsp;

General Electric Co said on Tuesday that the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative would be undermined if the country's railway ministry went ahead with changes to a joint venture with the conglomerate

General Electric Co said on Tuesday that the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative would be undermined if the country's railway ministry went ahead with changes to a joint venture with the conglomerate. Any changes to the joint venture will put future foreign investment at risk and cause the government to incur substantial costs, GE said in an emailed statement. GE had won a $2.6 billion contract in 2015 to supply Indian Railways with 1,000 diesel locomotives. The Economic Times newspaper reported last week that the ministry told the company the railways would not require diesel locomotives in the future and offered the American company an option to manufacture electric locomotives at its upcoming factory in the eastern state of Bihar. Under the deal, GE is also to build two maintenance sheds elsewhere in the country to service the locomotives over an 11-year period.

GE warns railway contract rejig to undermine 'Make in India' drive

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe&rsquo;s visit to India on 13-14 September for attending the annual summit has marked one more milestone in the evolving India- Japan partnership. The joint statement issued by them highlights the increasing importance of their converging strategic interests. It is evident not only in the title of the statement itself but also in the positions that they have taken on issues like North Korea&rsquo;s increasing belligerence, Japan&rsquo;s involvement in various infrastructure projects in India, the ongoing India-Japan defence cooperation, maritime security, and Japan&rsquo;s interest in India&rsquo;s North Eastern region.

The present summit took place against the backdrop of two major developments in the region &ndash; North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear and missile tests and the China-India-Bhutan military standoff in Doklam.&nbsp;

North Korea&rsquo;s intransigence on its nuclear weapons and missile programme is not new. But its nuclear and missile tests in the last one year have intensified regional tensions and its refusal to abide by UN Security Council resolutions has heightened the threats to East Asian countries, particularly Japan and South Korea. Many in the region apprehended that Pyongyang&rsquo;s nuclear and missile programmers could drive other countries to reconsider their positions on non-proliferation.&nbsp;

Though both India and Japan have categorically criticised Pyongyang in the past, this time around they made a coordinated condemnation of its policies. In a speech at the summit, Mr. Abe sent out a message to Pyongyang along with Mr. Modi that they would take &ldquo;firm steps against the challenges that have emanated from North Korea &rdquo; and would &ldquo;force North Korea to roll back its recent aggressive moves.&rdquo; Many analysts point out that though India has criticised North Korea in the past, for the first time it is getting directly involved in the deepening crisis.

One should also note that the joint statement, in an indirect reference to Pakistan, has stressed the need for holding accountable all parties that have supported North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear and missile programmes in the past. Similarly, the joint statement has condemned the growing menace of terrorism and exhorted Pakistan to bring to justice the organisers of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008 and in Pathankot in 2016.

On the positive side, one major takeaway for both countries from the summit is the inauguration of the much-celebrated bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The 508 Km, 1.1 lakh crore project is a prize catch for Mr. Abe who has been vigorously promoting Japan&rsquo;s high-quality infrastructure assistance to Asian countries. After losing out to China in Indonesia, in the high-speed rail technology competition, it became very important for Japan to get a footing in India.&nbsp;

As for Prime Minister Modi, he has been making all efforts to get Japan involved in some of India&rsquo;s flagship projects. He wants Japan&rsquo;s support for his coveted programmes, such as Make in India, Skills India, and Digital India. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad (MAHSR) project will usher in a new era in the Indian railway system as it is going to introduce Japan&rsquo;s advanced technology, and it could have a great impact on the business and industrial climate of western India. Japan has already demonstrated its credentials as a reliable supplier of superior technology in the construction of metro systems in many parts of India. In addition, Japan is also poised to play a key role in the modernisation of the conventional railway system.

Both countries have shown considerable interest in forging deeper cooperation in the defence sphere. The latest Defence Dialogue held in Tokyo a week earlier than the summit identified many areas for cooperation. India has already liberalised its policy on the entry of foreign technologies just as Mr. Abe has also removed the earlier restrictions on the export of Japanese defence technologies.

This situation provides a win-win position for intensifying bilateral cooperation. Both Mr. Abe and Mr. Modi have agreed to continue the on-going negotiations for the purchase of Japan&rsquo;s indigenously produced US-2 amphibian aircraft. Maritime security offers immense prospects for bilateral cooperation. In addition to the trilateral Malabar exercises, both India and Japan also want to deepen their bilateral naval cooperation which could provide many new opportunities for them collaborate. There are opportunities for Japan to help India build and modernise its naval base in the Andamans.

The joint statement also talks about the commitment of the two leaders to work together to enhance connectivity between Asia and Africa. They have expressed their desire to promote cooperation with Africa by developing industrial corridors and connectivity. They believe that both India and Japan with their long association with the African continent could contribute to the development of the Indo-Pacific region and offer an alternative to China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative.

Nearer home. India is encouraging Japan to play a key role in the economic development of the North Eastern region. Japan is already involved in some key projects related to highways, power, management of natural resources and health. Recently, they have formed a coordination forum to intensify cooperation between the two sides.

&nbsp;

The joint statement issued by India and Japan highlights the increasing importance of their converging strategic interests.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to India on 13-14 September for attending the annual summit has marked one more milestone in the evolving India- Japan partnership. The joint statement issued by them highlights the increasing importance of their converging strategic interests. It is evident not only in the title of the statement itself but also in the positions that they have taken on issues like North Korea’s increasing belligerence, Japan’s involvement in various infrastructure projects in India, the ongoing India-Japan defence cooperation, maritime security, and Japan’s interest in India’s North Eastern region. The present summit took place against the backdrop of two major developments in the region – North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests and the China-India-Bhutan military standoff in Doklam. North Korea’s intransigence on its nuclear weapons and missile programme is not new. But its nuclear and missile tests in the last one year have intensified regional tensions and its refusal to abide by UN Security Council resolutions has heightened the threats to East Asian countries, particularly Japan and South Korea. Many in the region apprehended that Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programmers could drive other countries to reconsider their positions on non-proliferation. Though both India and Japan have categorically criticised Pyongyang in the past, this time around they made a coordinated condemnation of its policies. In a speech at the summit, Mr. Abe sent out a message to Pyongyang along with Mr. Modi that they would take “firm steps against the challenges that have emanated from North Korea ” and would “force North Korea to roll back its recent aggressive moves.” Many analysts point out that though India has criticised North Korea in the past, for the first time it is getting directly involved in the deepening crisis. One should also note that the joint statement, in an indirect reference to Pakistan, has stressed the need for holding accountable all parties that have supported North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes in the past. Similarly, the joint statement has condemned the growing menace of terrorism and exhorted Pakistan to bring to justice the organisers of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008 and in Pathankot in 2016. On the positive side, one major takeaway for both countries from the summit is the inauguration of the much-celebrated bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The 508 Km, 1.1 lakh crore project is a prize catch for Mr. Abe who has been vigorously promoting Japan’s high-quality infrastructure assistance to Asian countries. After losing out to China in Indonesia, in the high-speed rail technology competition, it became very important for Japan to get a footing in India. As for Prime Minister Modi, he has been making all efforts to get Japan involved in some of India’s flagship projects. He wants Japan’s support for his coveted programmes, such as Make in India, Skills India, and Digital India. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad (MAHSR) project will usher in a new era in the Indian railway system as it is going to introduce Japan’s advanced technology, and it could have a great impact on the business and industrial climate of western India. Japan has already demonstrated its credentials as a reliable supplier of superior technology in the construction of metro systems in many parts of India. In addition, Japan is also poised to play a key role in the modernisation of the conventional railway system. Both countries have shown considerable interest in forging deeper cooperation in the defence sphere. The latest Defence Dialogue held in Tokyo a week earlier than the summit identified many areas for cooperation. India has already liberalised its policy on the entry of foreign technologies just as Mr. Abe has also removed the earlier restrictions on the export of Japanese defence technologies. This situation provides a win-win position for intensifying bilateral cooperation. Both Mr. Abe and Mr. Modi have agreed to continue the on-going negotiations for the purchase of Japan’s indigenously produced US-2 amphibian aircraft. Maritime security offers immense prospects for bilateral cooperation. In addition to the trilateral Malabar exercises, both India and Japan also want to deepen their bilateral naval cooperation which could provide many new opportunities for them collaborate. There are opportunities for Japan to help India build and modernise its naval base in the Andamans. The joint statement also talks about the commitment of the two leaders to work together to enhance connectivity between Asia and Africa. They have expressed their desire to promote cooperation with Africa by developing industrial corridors and connectivity. They believe that both India and Japan with their long association with the African continent could contribute to the development of the Indo-Pacific region and offer an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nearer home. India is encouraging Japan to play a key role in the economic development of the North Eastern region. Japan is already involved in some key projects related to highways, power, management of natural resources and health. Recently, they have formed a coordination forum to intensify cooperation between the two sides.

Is countering China and North Korea the basis of India - Japan friendship?

Japan&#39;s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe kicked off his two-day trip to India with a visit to Ahmedabad&#39;s Sabarmati Ashram on Wednesday (September 13).<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-pm-modi-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-at-ahmedabads-sabarmati-ashram-20159"> He was accompanied by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who accompanied him and his wife Akie </a>on a road-show to the iconic historical monument.

Their next stop was the city&#39;s famous Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, popularly called &quot;Sidi Saiyyid ki Jaali&quot;.&nbsp;This was PM Modi&#39;s first visit to the mosque.&nbsp;

The Japanese PM will lay the foundation stone for India&#39;s first bullet train in Ahmedabad on September 14.

The 500-km-long high-speed train will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad and is the centerpiece of PM Modi&#39;s efforts to showcase India&#39;s ability to build cutting-edge infrastructure.

&quot;Economic cooperation is the cornerstone of the relationship between Japan and India. In November last year, I accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to a Japanese Shinkansen rolling stock factory and introduced him to the ingenious technology that Japan boasts to the world. It gives me great joy to know those Shinkansen trains will operate on Indian soil under the Mumbai Ahmedabad high-speed rail project,&quot; the Japanese PM said in a written message.

Ties between India and Japan have blossomed as Modi and Abe increasingly see eye-to-eye in countering China&#39;s growing dominance across Asia.

Shinzo Abe&#39;s trip is expected to further deepen diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The consolidation of ties comes days after New Delhi ended a dangerous military confrontation with China, and highlights an early lead for Japan in a sector where the Chinese have also been trying to secure a foothold, but without much success.

The Japanese PM and the first lady were welcomed by PM Modi as soon as they touched down at the Ahmedabad airport. The Indian PM broke protocol to personally meet Japanese PM Modi on the airport tarmac.

Ahmedabad was all decked up for the visit of the two leaders. Billboards with photos of Modi and Abe shaking hands and national flags of the two countries lined the Gujarat capital. 
&nbsp;

The Japanese PM will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train in Ahmedabad on September 14

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe kicked off his two-day trip to India with a visit to Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Ashram on Wednesday (September 13). He was accompanied by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who accompanied him and his wife Akie on a road-show to the iconic historical monument. Their next stop was the city's famous Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, popularly called "Sidi Saiyyid ki Jaali". This was PM Modi's first visit to the mosque. The Japanese PM will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train in Ahmedabad on September 14. The 500-km-long high-speed train will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad and is the centerpiece of PM Modi's efforts to showcase India's ability to build cutting-edge infrastructure. "Economic cooperation is the cornerstone of the relationship between Japan and India. In November last year, I accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to a Japanese Shinkansen rolling stock factory and introduced him to the ingenious technology that Japan boasts to the world. It gives me great joy to know those Shinkansen trains will operate on Indian soil under the Mumbai Ahmedabad high-speed rail project," the Japanese PM said in a written message. Ties between India and Japan have blossomed as Modi and Abe increasingly see eye-to-eye in countering China's growing dominance across Asia. Shinzo Abe's trip is expected to further deepen diplomatic ties between the two countries. The consolidation of ties comes days after New Delhi ended a dangerous military confrontation with China, and highlights an early lead for Japan in a sector where the Chinese have also been trying to secure a foothold, but without much success. The Japanese PM and the first lady were welcomed by PM Modi as soon as they touched down at the Ahmedabad airport. The Indian PM broke protocol to personally meet Japanese PM Modi on the airport tarmac. Ahmedabad was all decked up for the visit of the two leaders. Billboards with photos of Modi and Abe shaking hands and national flags of the two countries lined the Gujarat capital.

Japanese PM flags off India visit with a hug and a roadshow

Rattled by the recent spate of train derailments in the country, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday, assured the people about the ambitious project and said that that the bullet train has not seen a single accident in Japan.

&quot;It has been a zero-accident train in Japan and I am sure the track record will remain the same in India,&quot; Piyush Goyal said.

Ahead of Bhoomi Pujan ceremony of the bullet train project, Goyal said that the country`s rail network will be transformed and revolutionised with the initiative.

&quot;Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given directions for a holistic development of the Indian Railways,&quot; Goyal said, adding, India`s transport sector is all set to change and &quot;it is indeed a matter of celebration.&quot; Goyal further said that the new initiative will help boost the employment in the country. &quot;The coming of bullet trains to India will not only boost employment , but also will help India to export it,&quot; he said.

Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India to attend the `Bhoomi Poojan` and foundation stone laying ceremony of the Rs. 97,636-crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail link, using Japanese bullet-train technology. During the visit, Prime Minister Abe will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi and is expected to serve as the &quot;top salesman&quot; for the adoption of the Shinkansen technology by other Indian railway systems, with China also aiming to win orders for the projects, the Japan Times had reported, earlier in August.

The 500-km railway will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India, with services planned to commence in 2023. This train is based on Japanese high-speed technology called Shinkansen, known for its safety and comfort. India has pledged to build high-speed railways, focused on the four major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

When Prime Minister Modi went to Japan last November, he travelled by Shinkansen with his Japanese counterpart from Tokyo to Kobe to visit a bullet-train plant of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., a maker of Shinkansen cars.

'It has been a zero-accident train in Japan and I am sure the track record will remain the same in India,' the new railway miniser said

Rattled by the recent spate of train derailments in the country, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday, assured the people about the ambitious project and said that that the bullet train has not seen a single accident in Japan. "It has been a zero-accident train in Japan and I am sure the track record will remain the same in India," Piyush Goyal said. Ahead of Bhoomi Pujan ceremony of the bullet train project, Goyal said that the country`s rail network will be transformed and revolutionised with the initiative. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given directions for a holistic development of the Indian Railways," Goyal said, adding, India`s transport sector is all set to change and "it is indeed a matter of celebration." Goyal further said that the new initiative will help boost the employment in the country. "The coming of bullet trains to India will not only boost employment , but also will help India to export it," he said. Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India to attend the `Bhoomi Poojan` and foundation stone laying ceremony of the Rs. 97,636-crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail link, using Japanese bullet-train technology. During the visit, Prime Minister Abe will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi and is expected to serve as the "top salesman" for the adoption of the Shinkansen technology by other Indian railway systems, with China also aiming to win orders for the projects, the Japan Times had reported, earlier in August. The 500-km railway will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India, with services planned to commence in 2023. This train is based on Japanese high-speed technology called Shinkansen, known for its safety and comfort. India has pledged to build high-speed railways, focused on the four major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. When Prime Minister Modi went to Japan last November, he travelled by Shinkansen with his Japanese counterpart from Tokyo to Kobe to visit a bullet-train plant of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., a maker of Shinkansen cars.

Piyush Goyal assures people Indian bullet train will be safe

bullet-train

Bullet Train, News on Bullet Train, stories on Bullet Train, articles on Bullet Train, Bullet Train stories at Wion, Bullet Train news, Bullet Train latest news