NEW DELHI: India’s first indigenously developed high-speed train, known as B28, is set to mark a major milestone in the country’s rail modernisation push, with prototype rollout expected in 2027 and phased operations planned on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.
The train is being developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited after it was awarded a contract by the Integral Coach Factory in 2024 to design and manufacture two prototype high-speed trainsets.
Project timeline and minister’s statement
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that India’s indigenous bullet train programme is on track, with the first prototype expected in 2027.
Speaking during the inauguration of BEML’s high-speed rail manufacturing facility, the minister said the prototype of the Vande Bullet will be rolled out in 2027, according to official statements, signalling a key step in India’s domestic high-speed rail capability.
He has also earlier stated that India’s first bullet train services are targeted to begin in phases from 2027, with the initial section expected to open around August 15, 2027.
First route: Surat to Vapi
The first operational deployment of the B28 train is planned on the Surat–Vapi stretch in Gujarat, covering about 97 kilometres. This section is part of the larger 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor.
Railway officials have indicated that efforts are underway to begin initial operations on this stretch using the B28 train by August 2027.
The corridor will eventually connect major cities including Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad, significantly reducing travel time once fully operational.
Speed, design and features
The B28 train is designed for a maximum speed of 280 km per hour, with an operational speed of around 250 km per hour.
Each trainset will consist of eight coaches, including chair car and executive class configurations, along with passenger amenities similar to advanced semi-high-speed trains.
The trains are being built to handle Indian climatic conditions, including high temperatures, dust and humidity, with features such as pressurised air-conditioned coaches and modern safety systems.
Manufacturing and technology push
Manufacturing of the B28 trainsets is being carried out at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru, with parallel development of critical systems such as bogies, braking and control systems.
Officials involved in the project have said the design phase is nearing completion, with multiple subsystems being developed simultaneously to meet international safety and performance standards.
An official associated with the project noted that efforts are focused on enabling localisation while maintaining global benchmarks, stating that development is aimed at gradual development of domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Indigenous push with global context
The B28 train is part of India’s broader effort to reduce dependence on imported high-speed rolling stock. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor was initially planned with Japanese Shinkansen trains, and these are still expected to form part of the primary rolling stock, while the indigenous trainsets will support initial operations, trials and capability building.
Phased rollout plan
According to railway plans, commercial operations will begin in phases starting with the Surat–Vapi section, followed by expansion to other parts of the corridor.
The full corridor, once completed, is expected to bring down travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to under two hours, transforming intercity travel in western India.
The B28 project represents a significant step in India’s push towards self-reliance in high-speed rail technology. With prototype rollout expected in 2027 and initial operations planned the same year, the project combines domestic manufacturing with global expertise.
As Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated through recent announcements, the coming year will be crucial in determining how quickly India can transition from testing to full-scale high-speed rail operations.
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