B28 trainset

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Last edited April 27, 2026


B28
ManufacturerBEML Limited
DesignerICF and BEML Limited
AssemblyBengaluru (BEML facility)
Number built2 prototypes
Formation8-car trainset
CapacityApproximately 580 seats (estimated)
Operator(s)National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (for trials)
Specifications
Maximum speed250 km/h (160 mph) (operational)
280 km/h (170 mph) (design)
Traction systemDistributed traction (IGBT-based)
Train heatingPressurized units with enhanced filtration
Braking system(s)Microprocessor-controlled
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Notes
Contract value: ₹866.87 crore

The B28 (also referred to as B28 trainset or Train B28) is a high-speed trainset prototype under development by BEML Limited in partnership with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). It is intended for trial operations on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. The trainsets are designed for an operational speed of 250 km/h and a maximum design speed of 280 km/h.[1][2][3] The Railways also plans a B35 trainset with a maximum speed design of 350 km/h.[4]

Background[edit | edit source]

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor was planned to use Japanese E5 Series Shinkansen trainsets, but negotiations were terminated in 2024 over cost and modification disputes for Indian conditions.[5] Thereafter, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) tendered for indigenous prototypes. BEML was the sole bidder and was awarded the contract at a lower per-coach cost.[6] Primary rolling stock for the corridor remains the Japanese E10 Series Shinkansen, while the B28 prototypes are intended for trials and development work.[1][7]

Development[edit | edit source]

In October 2024, the Integral Coach Factory awarded BEML a contract valued at ₹866.87 crore to design, manufacture and commission two eight-car high-speed trainsets.[8][9] As of February 2026, preliminary design review and detailed design review for underframe, car body and bogie were nearing completion. Manufacturing of car bodies and structural elements is in progress at BEML's Bengaluru facility. A full-scale mock-up is scheduled for unveiling in the first quarter of 2026. The first prototype is targeted for rollout by December 2026, with the second in 2027. The prototypes will undergo static tests, oscillation trials, structural validation (including full car body squeeze tests) and high-speed trials over 7–8 months before certification.[3][2][10]

On 2 September 2025, Knorr-Bremse announced the signing of an equipment contract with BEML to supply the braking and entrance systems along with air conditioning and sanitary systems for the two prototypes of B28 trains. The firm is also establishing a manufacturing facility near Chennai with deliveries to begin in 2026.[11] BEML has also initiated efforts to identify Indian suppliers for passenger seats and interior panels.[citation needed]

On 28 February 2026, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) issued a single tender enquiry (Package No. MAHSR-BRS-1) to BEML Limited for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning and comprehensive maintenance of rolling stock and allied works for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor.[12][13] The tender follows a single-stage two-envelope bidding procedure. Bid submissions were scheduled from 11 to 16 March 2026 (09:00–15:00 hrs IST) and technical bids were to open on 17 March 2026 at 15:00 hrs. This package builds on the earlier October 2024 contract awarded by the Integral Coach Factory to BEML for the construction of two prototype trainsets.[12][13]

In March 2026, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways tabled its report on the Demands for Grants (2026–27) of the Ministry of Railways. The report included details from the Ministry regarding the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. According to the Ministry's submission, initial commercial operations on the Surat–Vapi section (approximately 97 km) are planned for August 2027 using the B28 trainsets manufactured by BEML.[14][15] The Ministry stated that the B28 trainsets have a design speed of 280 km/h, with initial operations at 250 km/h. Future upgrades to 320–350 km/h may be possible. The signalling system for this section will use ETCS Level 2. The committee's report also noted the project's overall cost escalation and efforts towards indigenisation of high-speed rail technology.[16]

On 20 March 2026, Moneycontrol reported that the consortium of BEML and Medha Servo Drives was likely to receive an order for 16 additional high-speed trainsets for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.[17][18] The proposed order is estimated to be worth approximately ₹4,000 crore (US$560 million) in total (around ₹250 crore (US$35 million) per trainset) and is expected to include a seven-year maintenance contract.[17] These additional trainsets are planned to follow the same basic design as the two initial prototypes already under development by BEML, with possible minor enhancements to be incorporated based on testing and operational feedback.[citation needed] The manufacturing of the first two prototypes was yet to commence, leading to a delay in the prototype rollout. The first prototype was then expected in March 2027, with the additional 16 trainsets to follow later.[17][19] This potential order forms part of the broader plan to indigenise high-speed rolling stock for the corridor, following the initial October 2024 contract awarded to BEML by the Integral Coach Factory for the two prototypes.[citation needed]

On 25 April 2026, the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated a facility at BEML's Aditya facility at Bengaluru for the development and production of B-28 coaches and the trainset. The first trainset is scheduled to be manufactured by March 2027.[20]

Specifications[edit | edit source]

The trainsets are designed for temperatures from −5 °C to 50 °C, high humidity, heavy rainfall, dust and corrosive environments. They include dust filters and enhanced pressurized air-conditioning.[2][21] The design supports an average daily run of approximately 2,000 km.[3] The trainsets use distributed traction with IGBT-based converters, bolsterless bogies and microprocessor-controlled braking. Safety features include compliance with EN 45545 fire norms and ETCS Level-2 signalling compatibility.[2]

Components and procurement[edit | edit source]

The procurement of specialized components for the B28 prototypes is currently being managed through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S). Initial phases of the project involved securing infrastructure for vehicle-level body shell testing and the acquisition of dedicated test rigs.[22] This was followed by the procurement of bogie type tests to ensure adherence to established structural design standards.[23]

Significant focus has been placed on the train's aerodynamic profile, with tenders issued for external components such as nose cones and specialized cable trays.[24] Additional aerodynamic elements include the installation of custom roof cladding[25] and protective underframe covers to minimize drag.[26] The electrical infrastructure is further supported by the procurement of high-durability underframe cable trays.[27]

Interior and operator-centric components comprise a major part of the recent procurement lists, including modular interior fittings.[28] The driver's cabin has been outfitted with specific ergonomic features such as specialized footrests[29] and high-impact cab side window glazing.[30] Further cabin refinements include integrated control interface elements[31] and specialized floor boarding.[32]

Water and sanitation management systems for the trainset feature high-capacity fresh water tanks[33] and advanced bio-digester units for waste processing.[34] The passenger amenities are further enhanced by the inclusion of pressurized modular toilet systems designed for high-speed operation.[35]

Safety and structural integrity are addressed through the procurement of evacuation bridges[36] and emergency rope ladders.[37] Various pieces of emergency gear have also been sourced along with high-grade SUS301L-ST stainless steel materials.[38][39] Heavy industrial components such as underframe castings have been ordered through BEML’s procurement channels.[40] Quality assurance is maintained through third-party weld assessments[41] and strict adherence to a documented list of technical standards.[42] Finally, mechanical support is provided by the acquisition of RS-6 stainless steel brackets.[43]

Suppliers[edit | edit source]

Key suppliers include Knorr-Bremse for braking systems,[44] Medha for the Train Control and Management System (TCMS),[2] Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA) for gearboxes, Compin Fainsa for passenger seats, Hanuk Fibre for interior panels and nose cone, and EC Engineering (Poland) for design validation consultancy.

Interior and passenger facilities[edit | edit source]

The air-conditioned coaches include reclining or rotating seats, provisions for passengers with reduced mobility, entertainment systems, pressurized modular toilets, fresh water tanks and bio-digesters.[2]

Route and operations[edit | edit source]

The prototypes are intended for trials on the 508 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, with initial testing on the Surat–Vapi section.[20] Trials are expected after certification in 2027. Partial commercial services on select sections may begin from August 2027, subject to approvals.[1][10] These trainsets serve as prototypes for development and testing. Primary rolling stock for the corridor is the Japanese E10 Series Shinkansen.[1]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "MUMBAI-AHMEDABAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL (BULLET TRAIN) PROJECT UPDATES". Press Information Bureau. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "India's first indigenous high-speed train set to enter manufacturing phase soon". Moneycontrol. 5 January 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "BEML sets timeline for production of high speed trainsets for India's first Bullet Train project". Metro Rail Today. 29 December 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  4. ↑ "After B28, Railways plans 'B35 bullet train' for high speed corridor: All about the upgrade". The Indian Express. 2026-03-30. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  5. ↑ "Based on Japan's Shinkansen technology, will the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train adapt to India's hot and humid climate?". The Financial Express. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  6. ↑ "No other bidder, BEML to make 1st high-speed train". The Times of India. 2024-10-16. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  7. ↑ "Bullet train: After Vande Bharat, Govt focuses on designing & manufacturing 280 kmph high-speed trains". The Indian Express. February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  8. ↑ Porecha, Maitri (15 October 2024). "BEML awarded contract worth ₹866.87 crore to build indigenous high-speed trains". The Hindu. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  9. ↑ "BEML wins Rs 866.87 crore contract to build 'Made in India' bullet trains". Business Standard. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Indian high-speed trials to start in 2027". International Railway Journal. 28 November 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  11. ↑ "Knorr-Bremse to equip India's first high-speed trains with system technologies" (Press release). Knorr-Bremse. 2025-09-02. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Bullet Train Project: NHSRCL Issues Single Tender Enquiry To BEML For Rolling Stock". Metro Rail News. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "NHSRCL invites Single Tender from BEML for Bullet Train Rolling Stock Package". Metro Rail Today. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  14. ↑ "Bullet train project to start operations with Bharat-made trainsets: House panel report". The Indian Express. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  15. ↑ "Made-in-India bullet train to run on Ahmedabad-Mumbai route in 2027". The Times of India. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  16. ↑ "Bharat-Made Trainsets to Run Mumbai–Ahmedabad 508-km Bullet Rail". Deccan Herald. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 "BEML-Medha set to bag 16-trainset order for Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor". Moneycontrol. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
  18. ↑ "BEML–Medha Likely to Supply 16 More Trainsets for Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project". DeshGujarat. 23 March 2026. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
  19. ↑ "BEML - Medha consortium to supply 16 high - speed trains for Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor". Metro Rail News. 27 March 2026. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Bengaluru's BEML Aditya plant to manufacture India's first bullet train 'B28'". The Indian Express. 2026-04-25. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  21. ↑ "Train B28 Procurement Technical Specification" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  22. ↑ "Procurement for Vehicle Level Body Shell Tests for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  23. ↑ "Procurement for Vehicle Level Bogie Type Tests for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  24. ↑ "Procurement for Aerodynamic External Components for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  25. ↑ "Procurement for Roof Cladding for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  26. ↑ "Procurement for Underframe External Cover/Cladding for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  27. ↑ "Procurement for Under Frame Cable Trays for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  28. ↑ "Procurement for High Speed Trainset B28 Interior Components" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  29. ↑ "Procurement for Driver's Footrest for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  30. ↑ "Procurement for Cab Side Window Glass with Frame for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  31. ↑ "Procurement for Driver's Cab Components for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  32. ↑ "Procurement for Floor Boards for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  33. ↑ "Procurement for Fresh Water Tank for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  34. ↑ "Procurement for Bio Digester for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  35. ↑ "Procurement for Pressurized Modular Toilets for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  36. ↑ "Procurement for Evacuation Bridge for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  37. ↑ "Procurement for Emergency Rope Ladder for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  38. ↑ "Procurement for Emergency Evacuation Equipment for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  39. ↑ "Procurement for Material SUS301L-ST for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  40. ↑ "Procurement for Castings for Underframe in Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  41. ↑ "Procurement for Third-party Weld Assessment for Train B28" (PDF). DGCI&S. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  42. ↑ "Procurement for List of Standards for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  43. ↑ "Procurement for RS-6 SS Brackets for Train B28" (PDF). GeM. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
  44. ↑ "Knorr-Bremse to equip India's first high-speed trains with system technologies". 2 September 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
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