Indian Railways has officially approved the development of two next-generation high-speed trainsets that will reach a design speed of 220 kmph. This new project aims to provide a faster alternative to the current Vande Bharat Express which has a design speed of 180 kmph. The Railway Board confirmed the inclusion of these 16-car trainsets in the 2027-28 coach production cycle to be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
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What are the main features of the 220 kmph trainsets
The new trainsets are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 200 kmph which is higher than current operational limits. Each train will consist of 16 broad gauge steel-bodied coaches. The manufacturing process will be handled by BEML Limited under a contract worth 866.87 crore rupees. These trains will feature modern passenger amenities including fully air-conditioned chair cars and reclining seats for better travel comfort.
Project details and infrastructure upgrades
To support these high-speed operations Indian Railways plans to implement several infrastructure and safety upgrades. These include AI-based track monitoring systems for better safety and the use of composite sleepers at bridge approaches and crossings. These sleepers are lighter and offer better cushioning for high-speed travel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Design Speed | 220 kmph |
| Operational Speed | 200 kmph |
| Cost per Coach | 27.86 crore rupees |
| Total Project Cost | 866.87 crore rupees |
| Train Configuration | 16-car trainsets |
| Manufacturing Unit | ICF Chennai and BEML |