In a major development for India’s high-speed rail ambitions, state-owned Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has secured a landmark contract worth Rs 866.87 crore to design, manufacture, and commission the country’s first indigenously manufactured bullet trains. The contract, awarded by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, marks a significant leap in India’s efforts to develop homegrown solutions for its high-speed rail network.
BEML, in an official statement on Tuesday, October 15, announced the deal, which involves the production of two high-speed trainsets, each comprising eight cars. The manufacturing cost per car is set at Rs 27.86 crore. The overall contract value encompasses not only the cost of building the cars but also includes expenses for design, a one-time development cost, and charges for the creation of jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities. These facilities will be crucial for the execution of future high-speed rail projects across India.
The trains, with a test speed of 280 kmph, will be built at BEML’s rail coach complex in Bengaluru and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. According to the company, this contract represents a pivotal milestone in India’s journey towards establishing a robust high-speed rail system, with the first-ever trainsets fully designed and manufactured within the country.
Equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, these trains will feature fully air-conditioned Chair Car configurations with reclining and rotatable seats, catering to modern passenger needs. Special provisions will be made for individuals with restricted mobility, while onboard infotainment systems will enhance the travel experience.
This milestone coincides with the progress of India’s first high-speed rail corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, which is projected to begin partial operations in Gujarat by the end of 2027. The full 508 km corridor, which will allow trains to operate at speeds of up to 320 kmph, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. Notably, the first phase of this project, a 50 km stretch between Surat and Bilimora, is expected to be finished by August 2026.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet trains will integrate cutting-edge Japanese Shinkansen technology, and passengers can expect business-class lounges, spacious waiting areas, and modern restroom facilities. The introduction of BEML’s indigenously manufactured bullet trains is set to complement these developments and position India as a significant player in high-speed rail engineering.
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