Key Features of India’s Indigenous Bullet Train Unveiled for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor
India’s first indigenously developed high-speed bullet train, B28, has successfully passed a crucial stage in its safety evaluation. Currently undergoing the vehicle body shell assessment, known as the “squeeze test,” this evaluation took place at BEML’s manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The central public sector undertaking is constructing the first two indigenous bullet trains, each featuring eight coaches.
Indian Railways plans to initiate trial runs of the B28 train on the 100-km Surat-Vapi stretch of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail corridor by May-June 2027. The commercial services on this section are anticipated to commence in August 2027.
India’s First Bullet Train: Key Features
The B28 train is designed with Indian operating conditions in mind, integrating engineering capabilities with domestic manufacturing expertise. Emphasis is placed on passenger safety and comfort.
The train will have a maximum testing speed of 280 km/h and an operating speed of 249 km/h. It will measure approximately 202 meters in length and consist of eight cars, including four motor cars and four trailer cars. The passenger capacity is around 557, with dedicated space for two persons with reduced mobility. The seating arrangement includes seven standard-class coaches with 3×2 seating and one executive-class coach with a 2×2 arrangement.
Additional features include driver’s cabs at both ends equipped with an intelligent on-board control system, ergonomically designed seats, LED lighting, overhead racks for baggage, and power outlets for charging devices. The train will also feature modern bio-digester toilets, large windows, and a Wi-Fi-based passenger infotainment system.
Understanding the Squeeze Test
The squeeze test evaluates whether the train’s outer structure can withstand intense pressure and external forces without significant deformation or damage during a collision. This assessment is critical due to the high speeds at which the trains will operate.
Officials noted that the test is vital for ensuring the structural integrity of the train’s body. After successfully completing this test, the prototype is expected to be ready in less than six months. The B28 train is not based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, which may expedite its development. The railway ministry previously indicated that two prototype trains would be ready for trial operations in the first quarter of 2027. The entire Gujarat section of the corridor is expected to be completed by December 2027, with the full 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor targeted for completion by December 2030.
