India's first indigenous bullet train, the B28, has completed an important stage of its safety evaluation and is now undergoing the Vehicle Body Shell Assessment, also known as the 'squeeze test'. The assessment is being conducted at BEML's manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, where the public sector undertaking is manufacturing two eight-coach trainsets.
The squeeze test is designed to assess the strength of the train's outer body and its ability to withstand extreme pressure and external forces during a collision or accident. It checks whether the structure can retain its shape and remain intact under such conditions.
Given the high speeds at which these trains will operate, the assessment is considered a crucial part of the safety evaluation process.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: Timeline
The Ministry has outlined the construction schedule for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The Gujarat section is expected to be completed by December 2027, while the entire corridor is targeted for completion by December 2030.
Trial runs of the B28 trainset on the 100-km Surat-Vapi section are expected to begin in May-June 2027. Commercial operations on this stretch are targeted to start in August 2027.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Speed And Travel Time
The bullet train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The journey, which currently takes approximately six and a half hours, is expected to be completed in around one hour and 58 minutes.
The train has been designed for a maximum testing speed of 280 kmph, while its operational speed is expected to be 249 kmph.
It will also feature regenerative braking technology, which recovers energy during braking and improves energy efficiency.
B28 Bullet Train: Coaches And Passenger Capacity
The indigenous trainset will initially have eight coaches, comprising four motor cars and four trailer cars. Two eight-coach trainsets can also be coupled to form a 16-coach configuration in the future.
Of the eight coaches, seven will have standard-class seating in a 3x2 arrangement, while one executive-class coach will feature a 2x2 seating layout. The train will have an approximate seating capacity of 557 passengers.
The coaches will also include facilities for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility, with Braille signage for visually impaired passengers.
Bullet Train: Facilities And Features
* The B28 train will feature several passenger amenities and safety systems, including:
* Emergency communication: Talk-back units in vestibules will allow passengers to contact train crew members during emergencies.
* Passenger entertainment: A Wi-Fi-based infotainment system will provide access to pre-loaded entertainment and informational content.
* Coach connectivity: Sealed, single-piece gangways will allow passengers to move between coaches.
* Retractable steps: Train doors will have retractable steps to reduce the gap between the train and the platform.
* Passenger information: Public address systems, automatic announcements and LCD screens will provide information in English, Hindi and regional languages.
* Lighting: LED lights will be installed throughout the coaches.
* Temperature control: Each coach will have two heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units to regulate temperature and humidity.
* Noise reduction: Sound insulation in the train body and floor, along with special coatings, bogie covers, skirts and fairings, will help minimise noise.
* Luggage storage: Overhead racks and separate floor-level luggage stands will accommodate bags and suitcases.
* Charging facilities: Power outlets will be available for mobile phones and laptops.
* Toilets: Modern bio-digester toilets will help minimise waste generation.
The train will also have driver cabs at both ends, equipped with an onboard control system designed to support decision-making and coordination with the Operations Control Centre.
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Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Route: All 12 Stations
The 508-km high-speed rail corridor will connect major cities and economic centres across Maharashtra and Gujarat. The train will stop at 12 stations:
* Mumbai
* Thane
* Virar
* Boisar
* Vapi
* Bilimora
* Surat
* Bharuch
* Vadodara
* Anand
* Ahmedabad
* Sabarmati