Design of India’s first bullet train: India and Japan are close to finalizing the design details of bullet trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, which will ease the tender process.
Japanese Shinkansen trains are being modified to suit Indian conditions. The redesign includes improved equipment capacity and the ability to operate in temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius. The trains are also being adapted to deal with India’s dusty conditions.
“These designs are expected to be formally approved soon,” a senior official told ET. “The seating arrangement may also be reconfigured, possibly with fewer seats per coach than the original design,” the official said.
Bullet Train Plans
Civil construction of MAHSR corridor has crossed 50% mark in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Rail welding work on Gujarat’s MAHSR viaduct began this month. According to an official statement, more than 60 km of Japanese-sourced rails have been installed.
Incidentally, Indian Railways is developing domestic manufacturing capabilities for bullet trains and signaling systems suitable for high-speed rail corridors, while continuing imports from Japan.
High-speed trains, such as the French TGV and the Japanese Shinkansen, operate globally at speeds in excess of 250 km/h.
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Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has received instructions from the Railway Board to manufacture 280 kmph bullet trains. ICF has collaborated with BEML to manufacture these trains, with a project cost of Rs 866.87 crore and an individual coach cost of Rs 27.86 crore. The contract covers design costs, development costs, non-recurring charges, and infrastructure for testing.
BEML plans to manufacture these trainsets at its Bangalore Railcoach facility, with delivery scheduled by 2026. The trains will be fully air-conditioned with chair car arrangements.
Bullet Train trains will include modern amenities like adjustable taking seats, amenities for passengers with mobility challenges and entertainment systems.