India is building its first indigenous bullet train at the BEML facility in Bengaluru for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. The eight-car train will reach a top test speed of 280 kmph. It features ergonomic seats for 557 passengers, including special spaces for Divyangjan, ensuring comfort and efficiency on Indian rail tracks.

Train interiors are ergonomically designed with consideration of Indian anthropometric requirements.

Market Mastery

Webinar by Vishal Malkan

Find the weak links

in your portfolio by Vishal Malkan

India is moving closer to developing its own high-speed rail technology, with an indigenous bullet train being manufactured at Bharat Earth Movers Limited's (BEML) facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka, for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.

Designed specifically for Indian conditions, the train combines advanced engineering with indigenous expertise, with a focus on passenger comfort, safety, accessibility and operational efficiency.

The train will have a maximum test speed of 280 kmph and an operational speed of 249 kmph. It will be approximately 202 metres long and feature an eight-car configuration comprising four motor cars and four trailer cars, with a passenger capacity of around 557, including two designated spaces for Divyangjan or Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM).

The train will have seven standard-class coaches with 3×2 seating and one executive-class coach with 2×2 seating. It will also feature driving cabs at both ends, equipped with an intelligent onboard control system to support quicker decision-making and coordination with the operation control centre.

The eight-car trainsets can also be coupled to form a 16-car train to accommodate future operational requirements.

Aerodynamic design and energy efficiency

The indigenous bullet train will operate on a 25 kV, 50 Hz single-phase AC traction system supplied through a heavy compound catenary.

Its regenerative braking system will help recover energy during braking, contributing to improved energy efficiency.

The train's nose and carbody profile have been optimised using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to improve aerodynamic performance. The design aims to reduce air resistance, minimise tunnel pressure waves and sonic boom, and limit turbulence.

The HVAC rooftop profile, roof panels and airflow deflectors have also been integrated into the aerodynamic design. Exterior wind-guiding profiles and a sealed carbody are intended to manage pressure differences and improve passenger comfort.

Indigenous Bullet Train Specifications (Key technical specifications of the indigenous bullet train being manufactured for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.)SpecificationValueMaximum Test Speed280 kmphOperational Speed249 kmphTrain Length202 metresPassenger Capacity557

Passenger comfort and onboard facilities

The interiors have been designed around Indian passenger requirements, with ergonomically designed seats, adequate legroom, LED lighting, overhead baggage racks and additional floor-mounted luggage stands for larger bags.

Passengers will also have access to power outlets for laptops and mobile devices, modern bio-digester toilets designed to minimise effluent, and wide windows at every row of seats.

A sealed, single-piece gangway will allow passengers to move between coaches comfortably.

The train will also feature a comprehensive passenger information system, with LCD displays providing information in English, Hindi and regional languages. Audio guidance will be available through public address and automatic announcement systems.

Emergency talk-back units in passenger cabins and vestibules will enable passengers to communicate with train crew when required. A Wi-Fi-based infotainment system will also allow passengers to access preloaded entertainment content.

Accessibility has been incorporated into the train's design, with the floor aligned to platform height to facilitate level boarding.

Retractable footsteps integrated into the doors will help minimise the horizontal gap between the train and platform. The coaches will also feature wheelchair-friendly doors, designated seating and accessible toilets for Divyangjan and PRM passengers.

Braille-enabled information signage will further improve accessibility for visually impaired passengers.

Climate control and noise reduction

Each coach will be equipped with two heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units designed to maintain comfortable interior temperatures and humidity levels across different weather conditions.

The train also incorporates several measures to reduce noise and vibrations during travel. These include sound insulation in the car body and floor structure, noise-damping coatings, and aerodynamic components such as skirts, bogie covers and fairings.