An exhilarating journey on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train! A speed of 249 km/h, 1,114 passengers, and free Wi-Fi..

India’s first indigenous bullet train is nearing reality. Its prototype is currently being manufactured at the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) facility in Bengaluru, which has now reached a critical milestone in its safety-testing phase. Named ‘Bharat 28’ (B-28), this high-speed train is being developed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed ​​Rail Corridor. It will consist of eight coaches and have the capacity to carry 557 passengers.

The train is designed to reach a maximum test speed of 280 km/h, with an operational speed of 249 km/h. It will feature seven standard-class coaches and one executive-class coach. Additionally, it will be equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, charging points, large windows, accessible restrooms, and special facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. The Railways aims to commence commercial operations by August 2027.

The ‘squeeze test’ is nearing completion—what comes next?
On November 1, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited BEML’s Aditya manufacturing facility in Bengaluru to review the progress on India’s first indigenous bullet train. One of the crucial stages currently underway is the ‘squeeze test’ of the integrated car body for the first coach. This test evaluates whether the train’s structure can withstand significant external pressure and forces without sustaining major damage or structural failure.

Vaishnaw stated that the squeeze test is in its final phase and is expected to be completed by next week. Following this, engineers will proceed to install the propulsion system and other electronic equipment. The coaches will undergo ‘climatic testing’ to evaluate their performance across various weather conditions—such as temperatures reaching up to 50°C, extreme cold, dusty environments, and heavy rainfall. BEML is currently manufacturing the first two indigenous bullet trains, each consisting of eight coaches.

8 coaches, 557 passengers, and an operational speed of 249 km/h
The ‘Bharat 28’ trainset will be approximately 202 meters long and comprise eight coaches, consisting of four motor cars and four trailer cars.

Its seating arrangement will include:
Seven standard-class coaches featuring a 3×2 seating configuration, and one executive-class coach with a 2×2 seating configuration. The total passenger capacity is 557, which includes dedicated space for two passengers with reduced mobility.

Driver cabs will be located at both ends of the train, equipped with an intelligent onboard control system. This system will assist the driver in decision-making and coordinating with the Operation Control Center.

Furthermore, the design allows for two eight-coach trainsets to be coupled together to form a 16-coach train, enabling the railways to increase passenger capacity whenever necessary.
Large windows, Wi-Fi, and charging points: What passengers can expect
The train’s interior has been designed with the needs of Indian passengers in mind. It features comfortable seating, ample legroom, and large windows positioned alongside every row.

Passengers will have access to LED interior lighting, overhead luggage racks, and dedicated floor-level storage stands for larger items. Each passenger will also have an individual power outlet, allowing them to charge their laptops and mobile phones during the journey. Passengers will be able to enjoy pre-loaded entertainment via a Wi-Fi-based infotainment system. LCD displays installed inside the coaches will provide information in English, Hindi, and regional languages. Automated announcements and a public address system will keep passengers updated throughout their journey.

‘Emergency Talk-Back Units’ will be installed in passenger cabins and the areas between coaches (vestibules), allowing passengers to communicate with train staff if the need arises.

The coaches will be equipped with bio-digester toilets. Additionally, a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system will be in place to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level throughout the year. The ‘Bharat 28’ train will feature several specialized amenities for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility.

The train floor will be level with the platform, facilitating easy boarding and alighting. The doors will be equipped with retractable steps that extend when needed, effectively narrowing the gap between the train and the platform.

The train will also include specially designed seats, wheelchair-accessible doors, and toilets tailored for persons with disabilities. For visually impaired passengers, information signs in Braille will be provided throughout the train.

Regenerative Braking and Aerodynamic Design

The train will operate on a 25 kV AC overhead electrical system and will utilize ‘regenerative braking’ technology. When the train slows down, this technology captures the energy generated and feeds it back into the electrical grid, helping to reduce overall energy consumption.

The train’s body and nose section have been designed with an ‘aerodynamic’ profile—developed using computer simulations—to minimize air resistance and turbulence. The purpose of this design is also to ensure that when the train passes through tunnels...

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