India’s First Bullet Train: BEML to Build Indigenous High-Speed Trains

State-owned BEML has secured a contract worth ₹866.87 crore to build India’s first indigenously manufactured bullet trains. In a recent announcement, BEML revealed that it will design, manufacture, and commission two high-speed trainsets, each consisting of eight coaches. This order was placed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, part of Indian Railways.

The cost for each coach will be ₹27.86 crore. The total contract value includes expenses for design, one-time development, non-recurring charges, and costs for tools and testing facilities.

Previously, the Railway Board was considering using Japanese technology for bullet trains on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route. However, discussions with Japan are still ongoing, leading to a shift towards using India’s own trains for this project. BEML’s cost per coach is significantly lower than Japan’s, which estimated the price at over ₹46 crore per bullet train coach.

BEML stated that the infrastructure developed will support all future high-speed projects in India. This initiative represents a major step forward in India’s high-speed rail journey, with the new trainsets expected to achieve test speeds of 280 km/h. In contrast, the Japanese Shinkansen E5 series, initially considered for the route, can reach speeds of 320 km/h.

BEML plans to manufacture these trainsets at its rail coach complex in Bengaluru, with delivery expected by the end of 2026. The trains will feature modern passenger amenities, including reclining seats, provisions for passengers with disabilities, and onboard entertainment systems.