Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inspects Progress of India’s Indigenous B28 Bullet Train at BEML Bengaluru Facility
Rail Minister reviews manufacturing progress of India’s first indigenously designed high-speed trainsets; BEML is developing eight-coach prototype trains for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
The B28 project represents an important step towards developing indigenous capabilities in high-speed railway technology and advanced passenger train manufacturing. The trainsets are being developed primarily for deployment on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, India’s first bullet train project.
The visit assumes significance as India moves forward with the development of its own high-speed train technology, alongside the construction of dedicated high-speed railway infrastructure.
BEML’s Aditya High-Speed Rail Complex
The B28 trainsets are being manufactured at BEML’s dedicated Aditya High-Speed Rail Complex, located at its Tippasandra campus in Bengaluru. The specialised facility was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in April 2026 as part of India’s efforts to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-speed rail equipment.
The manufacturing complex is equipped with advanced production technologies and specialised infrastructure required for building high-speed railway rolling stock. These include modern fabrication processes, precision engineering systems and robotic laser welding technology.
The facility is intended to support the manufacturing of high-speed trainsets that require stringent engineering standards, precision in assembly and high levels of quality control.
BEML’s involvement in the project also reflects the expansion of the company’s manufacturing activities beyond conventional railway coaches and metro rolling stock into advanced high-speed railway systems.
Joint Design by ICF and BEML
The indigenous B28 trainsets are being jointly designed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and BEML.
In October 2024, ICF awarded BEML a contract worth approximately Rs 866.87 crore for the design, manufacture and commissioning of two prototype trainsets, each comprising eight coaches.
The prototype development programme involves designing and manufacturing the trainsets to meet the technical and operational requirements of high-speed railway services. The development process also includes the integration of various onboard systems, passenger amenities, safety equipment and other components required for high-speed operations.
The two prototype trainsets will play an important role in validating the indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities before larger-scale production and deployment.
BEML has subsequently secured additional orders related to the high-speed rail programme. These include a reported contract worth approximately Rs 5,400 crore from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) for additional trainsets and associated maintenance requirements.
These orders are expected to support the expansion of domestic manufacturing capabilities for India’s high-speed rail network.
Designed for Speeds of Up to 280 kmph
The B28 trainsets are being developed with a design and testing speed capability of up to 280 kmph. Their proposed operational speed is approximately 250 kmph, with some reports indicating a figure of around 249 kmph.
The development of these trainsets is aimed at creating an indigenous alternative for high-speed passenger railway operations. The project requires advanced engineering in areas such as aerodynamics, structural strength, braking systems, propulsion, passenger comfort and onboard safety technologies.
The trainsets are expected to incorporate modern passenger amenities and technologies suitable for long-distance high-speed travel.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor will provide the infrastructure for India’s first bullet train service. The development of domestically manufactured trainsets is an important parallel component of the broader high-speed rail programme.
Future Plans for Higher-Speed Train Technology
India’s high-speed train development programme is also expected to evolve towards higher operating speeds in the coming years.
Future plans include the development of a proposed B35 variant, which is being targeted for speeds of approximately 350 kmph. This would represent another stage in the development of indigenous high-speed railway technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The B28 programme is therefore significant not only for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project but also for establishing a domestic industrial ecosystem for future high-speed railway requirements.
BEML’s manufacturing facility in Bengaluru is expected to play an important role in this effort, bringing together advanced manufacturing processes, engineering expertise and indigenous railway technology development.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s inspection of the B28 manufacturing programme highlights the government’s focus on monitoring the progress of indigenous high-speed train development and strengthening India’s domestic railway manufacturing capabilities.
