Ganesh Kendale
India’s first indigenous high-speed train soon! In a big boost for Indian Railways’ dreams of offering high-speed rail connectivity, the national transporter has awarded the contract for manufacturing high-speed trainsets to BEML.
These trainsets will be the first indigenously designed and manufactured in India, with a test speed of 280 kmph, marking a significant step forward in the country’s high-speed rail journey.
The trains will feature a fully air-conditioned, Chair Car configuration, offering modern passenger amenities such as reclining and rotatable seats, special provisions for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
BEML Limited has secured a contract from Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, for the design, manufacturing, and commissioning of two high-speed trainsets.
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Each trainset will consist of 8 cars, with a price of Rs 27.86 crores per car, resulting in a total contract value of Rs 866.87 crores. This contract value includes design cost, one-time development cost, non-recurring charges, and a one-time cost for jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities, which will be utilized for all future high-speed projects in India.
BEML’s Bengaluru rail coach complex will be responsible for the construction of these trainsets, with a scheduled delivery by the end of 2026.
India’s first high-speed bullet train network is being constructed between Ahmedabad and Mumbai by NHSRCL.
Incidentally, BEML is also manufacturing the first 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, the first of which has been delivered to the ICF and will now undergo extensive testing before being put into service for passenger travel. The new Vande Bharat sleeper trains boast better features compared to the premium Rajdhani Express trains, and with faster acceleration and deceleration are expected to cut train travel time on major Indian Railways routes.
