India’s first indigenous high-speed train for the Mumbai-Ahmedadad bullet train project is likely to be ready by the first quarter of 2027, according to the Ministry of Railways.
In its submissions to the Parliamentary Standing panel on Railways, the ministry emphasised that the bullet train project is a very complex and technology intensive project, which involves technology transfer and procurement, supply from Japan and other countries.
The ministry informed that the development of E10 series of Shinkansen is underway in Japan.
The E10 series bullet trains are likely to be introduced simultaneously in India and Japan around 2030.
The ministry further highlighted that there are challenges in sourcing rolling stock for the bullet train project from Japan, prompting efforts to develop a domestic alternative under the Make in India programme.
According to the ministry, it has been decided to start the high-speed rail operation on Mumbai-Ahmedadad corridor using B28 (Bharat made bullet trainset).
The ministry informed that two high-speed trainsets with design speed of 280 kmph and operating speed of 250 kmph are being developed indigenously by state-run BEML.
Earlier in October 2024, Railway Ministry’s Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) had awarded a ₹866.87 crore contract to BEML for the design, manufacturing, and commissioning of two high-speed trainsets, each comprising 8 cars.
The trainsets are being built at BEML’s Bengaluru rail coach complex.
Featuring a fully air-conditioned, Chair Car configuration, the trains will offer
modern passenger amenities such as reclining and rotatable seats, special provisions for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment system.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the first train is “likely to be ready by 1st quarter of 2027”, after which, it will undergo extensive testing and trials.
The ministry has said that efforts are underway to start operation using B28 (the indigenous bullet train) for Surat to Vapi (97km) section of the bullet train corridor in Aug 2027.
