India is all set to produce bullet trains domestically and develop a signaling system that aligns with these high-speed trains, according to senior government officials . These upcoming trains will operate on upcoming standard gauge bullet train routes. Additionally, officials mentioned that crucial infrastructure projects like the bullet train will see accelerated progress in Maharashtra following the recent election outcomes.
The rise of bullet trains in India heralds a new era of connectivity, speed, and progress, setting the stage for a dynamic and modern railway network across the nation.
“Work on the bullet train corridor in Maharashtra picked up pace after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government took charge. Entire land acquisition is complete and over 320-kilometres of the physical infrastructure work is ready,” oneofficial said.
The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, which is a part of Indian Railways, is teaming up with BEML to craft high-speed train sets capable of reaching 280 kmph, with a budget of 867 crore.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday that following the success of Vande Bharat trains made under “Make in India“programme, Indian Railways has launched this new venture. In response to questions from BJP MPs Sudhir Gupta and Ananta Nayak, Vaishnaw stated in a written response, “The manufacturing cost is approximately Rs. 28 crore (without taxes), which it highly competitive compared to other train sets.”
These trains will be manufactured at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru and are anticipated to be delivered by the end of 2026. These high-speed trains will be entirely designed and manufactured in India, addressing challenges associated with the cost and delivery schedules of Japanese-made bullet trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.
On being questioned about the future of Shinkansensuppliers, another official clarified, “We do not want to stop Japanese collaboration. Negotiation is ongoing regarding the supply deal for these modern trains that will run on the MAHSR corridor.”
Key features of High-speed trains
- The first train will run between Surat and Bilimorain Gujarat by 2026.
- The contract value is Rs 866.87 crore, covering design, development costs, and investments in facilities for future high-speed train projects.
- Each coach costs Rs 27.86 crore, and the trains will be fully air-conditioned with reclining seats, accessibility features, and onboard entertainment systems.
- The trains will have features like reclining and rotatable seats, accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, and onboard infotainment systems.
The upcoming bullet train project is set to have a substantial impact on the Indian economy by reducing dependency on imports, leading to significant cost savings and fostering a self-sufficient environment in the railway industry.
With an estimated contract value of Rs 866.87 crore and each coach costing Rs 27.86 crore, the project’s economic benefits extend beyond just financial gains. The initiative will not only enhance infrastructure and connectivity but also attract investments, fueling economic growth and positioning India as a key player in advanced rail technology on the global stage.
