Bullet train marks new chapter of ties between India, Japan: Devendra Fadnavis

Fadnavis, who is in Japan for a five-day tour, said that the purpose of his visit was to draw Japanese investors to Maharashtra, essentially infrastructure, education, and health.

“The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail (bullet train) is a celebration of Indo-Japan friendship. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India will not stop at one Shinkansen, and aim to create a complete network just like Japan. India is becoming ‘future ready’,” said Fadnavis, who visited the Shinkansen Operations Control Centre in Tokyo and analysed its operation and work process.

Fadnavis said the zero fatality and punctuality of Shinkansen since its operations in 1964 was amazing.

“I am amazed and marvelled at the proficient Japanese bullet train system connecting major cities at a breakneck speed… An exquisite example of cutting-edge technology and style, the integrated intelligent transport management system is laudable.”

The deputy chief minister also met Nishida Shoji San, parliamentary vice-minister of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and discussed the possibilities of mutual growth and innovation through the development of Japanese Industrial Townships in Maharashtra and other joint projects. Terming the meeting successful, he said that it was a way forward to explore new paths for growth and opportunities and innovative ideas.

He also met Takagi Kei San, vice-minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Japan, as part of fortifying the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Maharashtra. This was followed by dialogue with Norihiko Ishiguro san, chairman and CEO of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Kazuya Nakajo, san of executive vice-president of JETRO; and  Munenori Matsunaga, director-general of JETRO (Mumbai) — on Maharashtra.

Following his official meetings with Japanese officials and leaders, Fadnavis visited the Indian Embassy in Japan to participate in the live broadcast of Chandrayaan-3 landing on Moon, accompanied by Indians living in Japan. While extending his heartiest congratulations to the team of ISRO scientists and employees for their marvelous feat, Fadnavis said, “It was truly a historic moment.”