New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): BEML Ltd. has officially announced the award of a significant contract worth ₹866.87 crore from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to supply two high-speed train sets for India's burgeoning high-speed rail network. This includes the ongoing construction of the 508 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, commonly referred to as the bullet train initiative.
The contract encompasses the design and manufacture of two prototype train sets, each comprising eight coaches, valued at ₹27.86 crore per train. This pricing includes costs related to design, one-time development charges, non-recurring expenses, and investments in jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities. These resources will be utilized for future high-speed projects in India.
The train sets will be indigenously designed and built at BEML’s rail coach complex located in CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru. They are engineered to operate at a maximum speed of 280 km/h, with operational capabilities at 250 km/h. BEML has committed to delivering both train sets by the end of 2026.
These fully air-conditioned trains will feature a modern chair car configuration that enhances passenger comfort with amenities such as:
In developing the propulsion system for these high-speed trains, BEML will collaborate with Medha Servo Drives, known for its work on the Vande Bharat trains. Additionally, the design consultancy will be provided by Poland’s EC Engineering, bringing international expertise to the project.
ICF initiated the bidding process for these two train sets on September 5, 2024, with BEML being the sole bidder when technical bids were opened on September 19, 2024. According to the tender specifications, the prototype train sets are designed to operate with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 signaling system.
Each train set will consist of:
The cars will feature a width of 3.35 meters and a height ranging from a preferable 3.65 meters to a maximum of 3.85 meters. Notably, the trains will undergo testing on the 46 km Surat–Bilimora section of the under-construction Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.
As BEML embarks on this pioneering project, it raises questions about the procurement of 18 E5 series Shinkansen bullet trains, which can achieve speeds of 320 km/h for the MAHSR project. Each Shinkansen coach is estimated to cost around ₹48 crore—almost double BEML's proposed rate. However, as more coaches are ordered, costs are expected to decrease due to economies of scale.
In 2020, India’s Ministry of Railways unveiled a National Rail Plan (NRP) aimed at developing 13 high-speed rail corridors spanning a total of 7,897 km. This long-term vision underscores the importance of indigenously producing and continuously improving rolling stock capabilities for India’s future transportation needs.
While the ambitious delivery timeframe of late 2026 for the high-speed trains may seem aggressive, this contract marks a significant step toward enhancing India’s rail infrastructure. With BEML taking the lead in this venture, the future of high-speed rail in India appears promising, setting the stage for modern and efficient public transportation options across the country.