Bullet Train India: The country’s first indigenous bullet train is being developed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. This train, being built at the BEML plant in Bangalore, has been designed to suit Indian climate and needs. Its maximum test speed will be 280 km/h and its operating speed will be 249 km/h. The approximately 202-meter-long train will have eight coaches, including four motor cars and four trailer cars. 557 passengers will be able to travel at a time. Seven coaches will be standard class and one executive class. There will also be two special seats for disabled passengers.
Modern facilities will be available during the journey
This train will have comfortable seats with ample legroom, luggage racks and separate stands for heavy bags. Power sockets will also be available for charging mobile phones and laptops. There will be wide windows near each row of seats. LED lights and modern biodigester toilets will also be installed in the coaches. Passengers will get information in Hindi, English and regional languages on LCD displays. Apart from the announcement system, there will be a facility to talk directly to the train staff in case of emergency. Passengers will also be able to watch pre-loaded entertainment content through Wi-Fi.
Special provisions for passengers with disabilities:
The train floor has been designed to align perfectly with the platform height. Automatic foot steps will be available at the doors to facilitate easier boarding and deboarding. Additionally, wide doors and specially designed toilets will accommodate wheelchair users. Information boards featuring Braille will also be provided for passengers with visual impairments. Each coach will be equipped with two HVAC units to regulate temperature and humidity based on external conditions. To minimize noise, sound insulation will be incorporated into the coach’s body and flooring. The front section of the train has been engineered to reduce air pressure and noise levels during high-speed travel and when entering tunnels.
The train will operate on a 25 kV overhead power system and will feature a regenerative braking system that converts energy generated during braking back into electricity. If needed, two trains, each with eight coaches, can be coupled together to create a 16-coach formation. Driver cabs will be situated at both ends and will be outfitted with advanced systems for effective communication with the control center.
The Railway Minister’s inspection of preparations:
On Sunday, the Railway Minister visited the manufacturing facility in Bengaluru to assess the progress of the domestically developed Bullet Train B28. He reviewed the manufacturing process, technical setups, and quality assurance measures. The Minister also examined the equipment used for coach assembly, including the undercarriage, roof, walls, and overall body, along with surface preparation and other essential tasks.
He also witnessed a demonstration of a “squeeze test,” which is conducted to test the strength of the coach. This test involves applying controlled pressure and tension to the coach body, assessing its strength and dimensional stability. This test is essential for safe train operation at high speeds. The Minister also inspected the passenger seats to be installed in the train and inquired about the amenities and comfort they will provide to passengers during the journey. He also inspected the AC, ventilation and heating systems, couplers, and other technical equipment. He also witnessed the process of manufacturing and assembling the side and roof modules of the coach. Manufacturing the bullet train in India is an important step towards enhancing the Railways’ indigenous technology and production capacity.