Representative image of a bullet train.
Credit: PTI Photo
Chennai: India’s first high-speed train (bullet train), which will run at a speed of 250 km per hour between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, is likely to be rolled out from BEML Ltd’s Bengaluru rail coach complex by mid-2027.
Though its USP is high speed, the fully air-conditioned train will feature modern passenger amenities, including rotatable seats and infotainment systems, suited for day travel.
Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, awarded a contract for two high-speed eight-coach trains to BEML Ltd late last year.
“We have appointed a design consultant with whom we hold weekly discussions. Since it is a high-speed train, the technology changes completely, and airtightness is very important. We are also finalising sources and vendors for major sub-assemblies, and we have ordered the propulsion system,” U Subba Rao, General Manager, ICF, told DH.
He added that BEML will place orders for other systems once the design is finalised.
“The design is nearing completion, and we hope to roll out the prototype by mid-2027. Since it is a high-speed train, we will ensure that passengers feel comfortable and enjoy their travel.”
Rao also said ICF will be prepared to produce more high-speed trains if there is demand.
Regarding the Amrit Bharat Express, which offers a travel experience comparable to Vande Bharat trains but is fully non-AC, Rao said ICF has received an order to produce 50 such trains from the Railway Board.
“While we plan to roll out 25 trains by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year and the remaining 25 during 2026–2027, these trains have become popular due to their quality and design,” Rao added.
Currently, two Amrit Bharat trains operate between Darbhanga-Delhi and Malda Town-Bengaluru. These trains are equipped with non-air-conditioned three-tier sleepers and unreserved coaches. Their push-pull configuration, with locomotives present at both ends, allows for quicker acceleration and reduced turnaround times at stations.
ICF is also working on an EMU prototype with an automatic door-closing facility to avoid mishaps.