Bengaluru: India’s first indigenously manufactured bullet train is under production at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. Designed for Indian operating conditions, the train combines high-speed capabilities with indigenous engineering and passenger-focused features.
Key Specifications
The train will have an eight-car configuration, comprising four motor cars and four trailer cars. Its key specifications include:
Maximum test speed: 280 km/h
Operational speed: 249 km/h
Train length: Approximately 202 metres
Passenger capacity: Around 557, including two dedicated spaces for Divyangjan and persons with reduced mobility
Standard-class seating: Seven cars with 3×2 seating
Executive-class seating: One car with 2×2 seating
Two eight-car trainsets can also be coupled to form a 16-car train for future operational requirements.
Passenger Comfort and Accessibility
The interiors have been designed keeping Indian passenger requirements in mind. Features include ergonomically designed seats, adequate legroom, level boarding with retractable footsteps and dedicated facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
The train will also have LED lighting, overhead baggage racks, additional floor-mounted luggage stands, power outlets and modern bio-digester toilets. Wide windows and sealed, single-piece gangways are intended to improve the passenger experience.
A passenger information system will provide LCD displays in English, Hindi and regional languages, along with audio announcements, emergency talk-back units and Wi-Fi-based infotainment.
Technology and Performance Features
The train will operate on a 25 kV, 50 Hz single-phase AC traction system and feature regenerative braking to improve energy efficiency.
Its aerodynamic design has been optimised using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to reduce air resistance, minimise pressure waves in tunnels and improve ride comfort. Noise-control measures include sound insulation, damping coatings and aerodynamic fairings.
Each car will be equipped with two HVAC units to maintain comfortable temperature and humidity levels throughout the journey.
The project marks a step in the development of indigenous high-speed rail technology, with a focus on safety, accessibility, operational performance and passenger comfort.
