The Ministry of Railways in India is preparing to introduce the B28 trainset as part of the operational rollout of the country's first bullet train corridor, which will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This high-speed rail line spans 508 kilometers and represents a major milestone in India's transportation infrastructure. The ministry has set an ambitious target to launch operations on a 97-kilometer section between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat by August 2027.
The B28 trainset, branded as the Bharat-made Bullet train, is currently being manufactured at the Bengaluru rail coach complex of Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a public sector undertaking. This contract was awarded in October 2024 by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), based in Chennai, which is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and commissioning two high-speed trainsets. Each trainset will include eight cars, with the cost per car estimated at Rs 27.86 crore. The total contract value for the project is Rs 866.87 crore, which covers design, development, non-recurring charges, and the creation of Jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities necessary for this complex manufacturing process.
According to the contract details, the B28 high-speed trainset will be fully air-conditioned and configured with Chair Car coaches. The train will be equipped with modern passenger amenities, including reclining and rotatable seats, special provisions for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems, ensuring a comfortable and accessible travel experience.
A report released by the Standing Committee on Railways, titled "Demands for Grants 2026-27," highlighted the Ministry of Railways' decision to commence operations using the Bharat-made B28 trainset. The ministry also noted ongoing efforts to expedite the finalization of remaining contract packages and associated work to ensure the timely completion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project.
The Ministry acknowledged the technical complexity and the intensive nature of the bullet train project, which involves technology transfer and procurement from Japan and other countries. While the development of the E10 series of Shinkansen trains is underway in Japan, the Indian Railways has chosen to move forward with the B28 model for initial operations. The target is to begin running the B28 bullet train, capable of speeds up to 280 kilometers per hour, on the Surat to Vapi stretch by August 2027.
The Standing Committee on Railways commended this approach, appreciating the Ministry's decision to start operations with the Bharat-made B28 trainset. The committee also recognized the ongoing development of the E10 Shinkansen series in Japan, while endorsing the government's efforts to operationalize the B28 in the near term.
This initiative marks a significant step in India's journey toward modernizing its rail infrastructure and introducing high-speed rail connectivity. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is expected to drastically cut travel time between the two major cities and provide a new standard of rail travel in the country.
The B28 trainset project is indicative of India's broader goal to build indigenous capacity in manufacturing advanced rail technology. By collaborating with established players such as ICF and BEML, and integrating technology transfer from Japan, India aims to develop its own high-speed train manufacturing ecosystem.
Anish Mondal, a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways sector, provides insight into this development. Currently part of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Mondal specializes in high-impact sectors including connectivity and infrastructure development. His extensive experience includes reporting at Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), FinancialExpress.com, and ETNowNews.com, with a strong academic background in journalism and mass communication.
In summary, the introduction of the B28 Bharat-made bullet trainset represents a crucial milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project. With production underway and a clear operational timeline for the Surat-Vapi section set for August 2027, India is poised to take a significant leap forward in its rail transport capabilities. The project not only promises faster and more comfortable travel but also highlights India's growing expertise in high-speed rail technology and manufacturing.