India’s indigenous B28 bullet train design is ready, with the prototype expected in early 2027
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday announced that the design of India’s first Swadeshi (indigenous) bullet train, designated B28, is ready and manufacturing is progressing rapidly at BEML’s Aditya Plant in Bengaluru. The first prototype is expected to roll out early next year.
Speaking to the media after inspecting the facility, Vaishnaw said the B28 trainset, intended for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor and future high-speed routes, has reached an important milestone. Propulsion systems, electronics and bogies are being manufactured to international standards, with all components undergoing rigorous efficiency and safety tests.
Key Specifications
The eight-coach B28 train will have a maximum test speed of 280 kmph and an operational speed of around 249 kmph. Measuring approximately 202 metres in length, it comprises four motor cars and four trailer cars.
It will accommodate about 557 passengers, with seven standard-class coaches featuring 3×2 seating and one executive-class coach with 2×2 seating. Dedicated space is provided for two passengers with reduced mobility (Divyangjan/PRM). Two eight-coach trainsets can be coupled to form a 16-coach configuration if required.
Passenger Amenities and Accessibility
The train is designed with Indian anthropometric requirements in mind. Features include ergonomic seats with adequate legroom, wide windows, LED lighting, power outlets, overhead and floor-mounted luggage storage, and modern bio-digester toilets.
A comprehensive passenger information system will display updates in English, Hindi and regional languages via LCD screens, supported by public address and automatic announcements. Emergency talk-back units and a Wi-Fi-based infotainment system with preloaded content will also be available.
Accessibility has been prioritised through level boarding (floor aligned with platform height), retractable footsteps, wheelchair-friendly doors, dedicated seating and toilets for Divyangjan passengers, and Braille signage.
Engineering and Safety Features
Each coach is equipped with dual HVAC units for climate control. Noise reduction measures include sound insulation, damping coatings and specially designed skirts and fairings.
The train will operate on a 25 kV AC traction system with regenerative braking for improved energy efficiency. Its aerodynamic nose and body, optimised through computational fluid dynamics, aim to reduce air resistance, turbulence and tunnel pressure waves.
A critical “squeeze test,” essential to ensure the coach structure can withstand atmospheric pressure differentials at high speeds, has been successfully completed.
Vaishnaw expressed confidence that the BEML-led indigenous trainset will meet international standards. Track trials are expected around mid-2027, with the train potentially entering testing on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor thereafter. The priority section of the corridor is targeted for operationalisation by August 2027.
The development of the B28 marks a significant step towards self-reliance in high-speed rail technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependence on fully imported trainsets for India’s expanding high-speed rail network.
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