India's First Indigenous Bullet Train: B-28 Specs & Timeline
Discover the technical specifications, passenger capacity, and launch timeline of India's first indigenous bullet train, the B-28 Bharat 28.
Indian Railways is stepping into a new era of high-speed travel with the development of India's first indigenous bullet train, designated as the B-28 (Bharat 28). Currently being manufactured at the BEML Aditya facility in Bengaluru, this trainset represents a major milestone in the nation's journey toward advanced railway technology.
Technical Specifications and Passenger Capacity
The B-28 is designed to be a high-performance trainset with a total length of approximately 202 meters. The configuration is optimized for both speed and passenger comfort, featuring the following technical details:
- Coach Configuration: An eight-coach trainset consisting of four motor cars and four trailer cars.
- Passenger Capacity: The train is designed to accommodate approximately 557 passengers.
- Seating Classes: The layout includes seven standard-class coaches with 3x2 seating and one premium executive-class coach with 2x2 seating.
- Accessibility: Dedicated spaces are provided for two Divyangjan passengers to ensure inclusive travel.
- Speed Capabilities: The B-28 is engineered for an operational speed of 249 kmph, while BEML has rated its maximum test speed at 280 kmph.
Safety Inspections and Manufacturing Progress
On November 1, 2026, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the BEML Aditya facility to personally review the progress of the B-28 project. During the inspection, the Minister witnessed a critical 'Squeeze Test' demonstration.
This specialized safety process involves subjecting the car body to controlled compressive and tensile forces. It is a vital procedure to ensure the structural integrity of the train remains intact during high-speed operations. The Minister also reviewed various stages of the fabrication process, including:
- Underframe, sidewall, and roof assembly.
- Onboard systems such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
- Couplers and passenger seating installations.
The Roadmap to Commercial Operations
The rollout of the B-28 will follow a phased approach, beginning with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The project timeline is as follows:
- Trial Runs: Scheduled to take place on the 100-km Surat-Vapi section between May and June 2027.
- Initial Commercial Launch: Commercial operations on the Surat-Vapi stretch are expected to commence in August 2027.
- Full Corridor Completion: The entire 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is targeted for completion by December 2030.