India’s First indigenous Bullet Trainset B28 takes shape at BEML’s Bengaluru Facility

Bengaluru, India (Rail & Metro Today): India’s push towards self-reliance in high-speed rail technology has reached a significant milestone, with the country’s first indigenous bullet train, designated B28, taking shape at BEML’s ‘Aditya’ manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The train is being developed for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor and represents a major step towards building domestic capabilities in advanced railway engineering and manufacturing. The Ministry of Railways shared details of the project on Sunday, describing the Bharat-made bullet train as an important development in India's journey towards indigenous high-speed rail technology. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the BEML facility to review the manufacturing progress and witnessed a critical structural safety assessment known as the ‘squeeze test’. The squeeze test is designed to evaluate the structural strength, rigidity and dimensional stability of the train's car body under controlled compressive and tensile forces. Such assessments are important for verifying that the vehicle structure can withstand the mechanical stresses encountered during operation. The B28 train is being developed with a maximum test speed of 280 km/h. According to the information shared, the first trainset is expected to roll out by the end of this year or early next year, although the manufacturing and testing schedule will determine the final timeline. The proposed inaugural run is tentatively planned for August 15, 2027, on the 97-km Surat–Vapi section of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor. The train will need to complete the required testing, certification and safety clearances before entering passenger service. The development of B28 reflects a strategic shift towards domestic manufacturing of high-speed trains. India had earlier considered procuring Japanese E5 Shinkansen trainsets for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad project. However, concerns over high costs and potential delivery delays reportedly contributed to the decision to pursue an indigenous alternative. Japan is still expected to provide two Shinkansen trainsets, the E5 and E3, for testing purposes, according to the information available. These trains could support technical evaluation and provide valuable inputs for India's high-speed rail development programme. The indigenous train is expected to offer a more economical alternative to imported Shinkansen trainsets. Its development could also strengthen domestic expertise in rolling stock design, manufacturing, testing and maintenance, while creating opportunities for Indian suppliers across the railway manufacturing ecosystem. The 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is India's first bullet train project and is being implemented with Japanese technical and financial cooperation. The project is expected to introduce high-speed rail services in India and establish the technological and operational foundation for future corridors. The entire corridor is currently targeted for completion around 2029–30, while the proposed Surat–Vapi inaugural run in 2027 would mark an earlier operational milestone. Vaishnaw also indicated that the proposed Bengaluru–Pune high-speed rail corridor could be among the next projects considered for India's expanding bullet train network. While detailed project parameters and timelines are yet to be established, the indication points towards a broader national vision for high-speed connectivity. The B28 programme is therefore significant beyond the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor. Successful development and testing could help India build a domestic high-speed train manufacturing ecosystem, reduce reliance on imported rolling stock and support the long-term ambition of expanding bullet train services across the country.