Ahmedabad: Bengaluru is poised to produce India’s first high-speed train, designed to operate at 250 km/h for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, stated a news report.

On September 5, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) announced a tender for the manufacturing of two high-speed chair-car trains that can reach speeds of up to 280 km/h. Bids were due by September 19, and BEML was the sole company to submit a proposal for the two eight-car train sets.

According to Moneycontrol, U Subba Rao, general manager of ICF, Chennai, said, “Only BEML has submitted the bid to manufacture two eight-car train sets, and the tender will be finalized in a week. Since it is a small order for just two trains, other rolling stock manufacturers were not keen to participate. Our target is to complete the manufacturing in 2.5 years.”

While the exact cost of the trains remains undisclosed, estimates suggest a price range of ₹200 crore to ₹250 crore each. These trains will serve the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, which stretches 508 kilometers and is projected to cost around ₹1.1 lakh crore.

Initially, Japanese trains were planned for this route, but high costs led to a decision to shift to domestic production. BEML will collaborate with Medha Servo Drives on the project to ensure compliance with European standards. Medha will develop a propulsion system capable of supporting speeds up to 250 km/h, while BEML will focus on the structural integrity necessary for such speeds. Medha’s propulsion technology is already utilized in Vande Bharat trains, as noted by an official.

The first train, intended to operate at 250 km/h, is expected to be completed by December 2026, with trials planned for the Surat-Bilimora section. It will feature seven cars in a 3 + 2 seating layout and one executive car with a 2 + 2 arrangement, accommodating approximately 174 passengers, with potential expansions based on demand. DeshGujarat