India is set to develop its next-generation bullet train capable of reaching a top speed of 350 kilometres per hour, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday. The design phase for this indigenous high-speed train is expected to commence within the next six months, marking a significant leap in the country's rail technology.
Current High-Speed Rail Projects
The 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, launched in 2016, is currently under construction and is designed to support train speeds of up to 320 kmph. The first phase of operations on this corridor is expected to begin in August 2027. India's first bullet train, currently being manufactured by Bengaluru-based BEML, is likely to be ready by 2027.
B28 Bullet Train Project
At present, BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) are jointly working on the B28 bullet train project, which is designed for speeds of up to 280 kmph. The prototype is expected to be completed early next year and is scheduled to begin operations on a section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor by August 2027.
Vaishnaw stated, "Our next domestically developed high-speed train will be capable of running at 350 kmph." He emphasized that these upcoming high-speed trains are being equipped with specialized features tailored to India's varied climatic conditions. The minister also highlighted that the Railway Board will prioritize safety while integrating new technologies during the current financial year.
Infrastructure Progress
According to Vaishnaw, close to 70,000 kilometres of railway tracks have been laid over the past decade, and more than 80% of the national rail network is now capable of supporting train speeds of up to 110 kmph. This expansion is part of the government's broader efforts to modernize India's rail infrastructure.
Design Revelation
Earlier this week, an image of the proposed design of India's first indigenous bullet train was displayed at Rail Bhawan. The Railway Board clarified that the image is a design stage one, symbolic in nature, and not the actual design of the train. The visual drew considerable attention from visitors, many of whom assumed it represented the first official glimpse of India's inaugural bullet train project, slated for launch in August 2027.
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