Indian Railways is moving closer to introducing its first indigenously manufactured bullet train on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The B28 train is being built at BEML’s Aditya Plant in Bengaluru and is designed for a maximum test speed of 280 kmph and an operational speed of 249 kmph. The eight-coach train will have a passenger capacity of around 557 and will feature modern passenger amenities, advanced onboard systems and accessibility facilities. Here is a look at its key features.
Inside Indian Railways B28 Bullet Train Amenities
The B28 train will be approximately 202 metres long, with four motor cars and four trailer cars. Its seven standard-class coaches will have a 3×2 seating arrangement, while the executive-class coach will offer 2×2 seating. The train will also have dedicated space for two Divyangjan or Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) passengers. According to The Indian Express, two eight-coach trainsets can be coupled to form a 16-coach configuration if required. Each end will have a driver’s cab equipped with an Intelligent On-Board Control System to support communication and coordination with the operation control centre.
For passenger convenience, LCD screens will display travel information in English, Hindi and regional languages. Audio announcements, emergency talk-back units and a Wi-Fi-based infotainment system with preloaded entertainment content will also be available. Each coach will have two heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units to regulate temperature and humidity. Noise insulation, damping coatings and specially designed covers will help reduce noise during high-speed operations.
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Advanced Technology, Aerodynamics And Accessibility
The train will use a 25 kV, 50 Hz AC traction system and feature regenerative braking, which recovers energy during braking to improve operational efficiency. Its aerodynamic design has been developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations to reduce air resistance, tunnel pressure waves and turbulence. A sealed car body and specially designed airflow deflectors are also intended to improve passenger comfort at high speeds.
Accessibility is another key feature. The train floor will be aligned with platform height to enable level boarding, while retractable footsteps will help reduce the gap between the train and platform. Dedicated seating and toilet facilities, wheelchair-friendly doors and Braille-enabled signage will also be provided.
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Meanwhile, the Union Budget 2026-27 announced seven proposed bullet train corridors: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri. Construction is underway on the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, with the government targeting the opening of its priority section by August 2027.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is the B28 bullet train ready?
No, the B28 bullet train is not ready yet.
Will India use Shinkansen or B28?
India is using a hybrid approach that combines the Japanese infrastructure and tracks with the domestically developed B28 trainset for initial operations, while keeping the door open for Japan's E10 Shinkansen in the early 2030s.
Is there any bullet train in India now?
No, India does not have an operational bullet train yet.
