India's First Bullet Train 'B28' Set for March 2027 Launch
Introduction to India's First Bullet Train
The Indian Ministry of Railways has set an ambitious target to complete the construction of the country's inaugural bullet train, named 'B28', by March 2027. This high-speed train is being developed by BEML at its rail coach complex located in Bengaluru. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai awarded BEML the contract in October 2024 to design, manufacture, and commission two high-speed train sets for the defense sector.
Current Progress and Specifications
According to a statement from the Ministry of Railways, the construction of the B28 train is currently underway at BEML. Two indigenous trains are being developed with a design speed of 280 km/h, with the first train expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2027. The B28 train set will undergo extensive testing and trials before its official launch.
Operational Plans and Route Details
The initial operation of the B28 train is planned for a 97-kilometer stretch between Surat and Vapi. This segment is part of the larger Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, which spans 508 kilometers and serves as the backbone of India's bullet train network. The entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, traversing through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is expected to be completed in phases, with the first commercial operations targeted for August 2027.
Features and Construction Updates
Each B28 train set will consist of eight fully air-conditioned coaches equipped with chair car seating. Passenger amenities will include reclining and rotatable seats, an onboard infotainment system, and accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility. The contract for the design and construction of the train set amounts to approximately ₹866.87 crores, covering development and tooling costs. Work on the MAHSR corridor is progressing steadily, with 343 kilometers of viaduct and 434 kilometers of piers expected to be completed by the end of March 2026, alongside the construction of 17 river bridges and several steel and concrete bridges. Additionally, a 21-kilometer tunnel is under construction, with 5 kilometers already excavated.
Future Testing and Expectations
Once the construction and testing of the B28 train set are completed, it will undergo several trials before entering commercial service. Railway officials have indicated that ticket bookings may be available for certain sections of the passenger corridor by mid to late 2027. Although there have been delays in India's high-speed rail project in the past, the development of the B28 train set reflects growing confidence in domestic capabilities for advanced rail manufacturing.