India’s First 250 kmph Bullet Train to be Manufactured in Bengaluru: Project Completion in 2.5 Years!
By Ashutosh Arora
Bengaluru is set to make history as the manufacturing hub for India’s first high-speed bullet train, with BEML-Medha Servo Drives at the helm of production. The two train rakes, capable of speeds up to 250 kmph, will be used on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, a flagship project managed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) invited tenders earlier this month to build two chair-car high-speed trains, and BEML emerged as the sole bidder. With contract finalization expected shortly, the manufacturing will be carried out at BEML’s Bengaluru plant, with the project set for completion in 2.5 years. These stainless-steel bullet trains, with a design speed of 280 kmph, will operate at 250 kmph, marking a significant leap in India’s rail infrastructure.
The 508 km MAHSR corridor, connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, will feature 12 stations and has an estimated project cost of Rs 1.1 trillion. Initially, the Japanese Shinkansen E5 trains were considered for the route, but due to high costs, the government opted for domestic production. As part of this initiative, BEML will handle the construction of the train carbody, while Medha Servo Drives will develop the propulsion system, using the experience gained from the Vande Bharat trains.
The first bullet train is expected to roll out by December 2026, with testing on the Surat-Bilimora section of the MAHSR line. This project is not only a landmark for India’s high-speed rail network but also holds potential for future orders for other high-speed corridors and export opportunities to Southeast Asia and Africa.
By leveraging local manufacturing and expertise, this initiative represents a strategic move toward self-reliance, reducing costs, and accelerating infrastructure development while showcasing India’s growing capabilities in the global high-speed rail market.
