India's push for indigenous high-speed rail technology gained momentum yesterday as Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated BEML's 'Aditya' manufacturing complex at the Tipperasandra campus in Bengaluru.
The specialised facility will serve as the production hub for India's domestically designed B-28 bullet trains, capable of speeds up to 280 kmph.
The B-28 trainset is being designed jointly by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), marking a significant milestone in India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Aditya Plant features advanced, high-precision machinery, including robotic laser welding systems, essential for manufacturing high-speed rail components.
During his visit, Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative potential of high-speed rail connectivity, citing that travel time between Chennai and Bengaluru could drop to just 73 minutes, effectively integrating the two metropolitan areas into a single economic hub.
The minister emphasised that high-speed rail technology represents one of the most complex engineering domains.
The project involves a Rs 866.87 crore contract awarded to BEML in October 2024 for two eight-coach prototype trainsets.
The trains will operate at 250 kmph with a maximum design speed of 280 kmph, and are expected for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor.
Manufacturing is scheduled to commence later this year, with the first prototype targeted for rollout by March 2027.
Beyond the bullet train initiative, Vaishnaw also announced upcoming Vande Bharat services connecting Bengaluru to Mangalore, Madgaon and Mumbai.
The electrification between Hassan and Mangalore has been completed, with testing and trials currently underway.
Two new Mumbai-bound services are planned, including a superfast service via Hubli Dharwad and a Vande Bharat sleeper service, both expected to begin operations within the coming months.
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