BEML partners with Knorr-Bremse to equip India’s First High-Speed Trains

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark move that signals India’s entry into the high-speed rail era, BEML Ltd., a Defence PSU and leading rolling stock manufacturer, has awarded a contract to Knorr-Bremse, a global leader in rail system technologies, to supply braking, entrance, air conditioning, and sanitary systems for India’s first indigenous high-speed trains.

The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Indian railway history, as BEML prepares to build two prototype high-speed trainsets for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, which is currently under construction. The corridor, designed for speeds up to 280 km/h, spans 558 kilometers, including a 22-kilometer undersea tunnel—a first for the country.

Under the contract awarded in Q3 2025, Knorr-Bremse will deliver highly integrated, customized system technologies to BEML beginning in Q2 2026, with an extended 15-year maintenance and service agreement through its RailServices division.

A Technological Milestone for India’s Rail Ambitions

This project reinforces India’s push toward high-speed, future-ready rail mobility and is part of the government’s broader vision to transform long-distance travel under the National Rail Plan. With additional high-speed corridors under active planning, the BEML–Knorr-Bremse partnership sets the tone for advanced rail manufacturing and supply chain localization.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, hailed the development, “This partnership showcases India’s capability to co-develop cutting-edge, indigenous high-speed trains. It’s a defining step for Make in India, bringing together global expertise and domestic excellence to deliver speed, safety, and sustainability for the next generation of mobility.”

Knorr-Bremse’s Deepening India Footprint

Knorr-Bremse has been active in India’s rail sector for over 30 years, supporting metro, suburban, and freight operations across the country. The company operates multiple facilities in Palwal, Pune, and Chennai, where it recently established a Global Center for Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Nicolas Lange, Executive Board Member of Knorr-Bremse AG, emphasized the importance of this project:
“Equipping India’s first high-speed trains positions us at the forefront of a transformative national initiative. We are proud to contribute with our proven technologies and strong local presence.”

Long-Term Partnership and Local Engineering

The first phase of the contract will cover:

• Braking systems tailored for high-speed operation

• Automatic entrance systems

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

• Integrated sanitary systems

Beyond delivery, Knorr-Bremse RailServices will ensure aftermarket support including spares, maintenance, and diagnostics for a period of 15 years.

Frank Uder, Board Member at Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific, said:
“This collaboration strengthens our successful track record with BEML and brings global high-speed know-how to India’s doorstep. Our engineering centers in India will play a crucial role in delivery and localization.”

Outlook: From Prototypes to Production

While the current contract is for two prototypes, BEML has plans to expand production to at least 10 additional trainsets, subject to successful trials and regulatory approvals. These trains will operate on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train route, managed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).

The high-speed project is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to under 2 hours, and catalyze economic activity, industrial growth, and job creation along the corridor.

The BEML–Knorr-Bremse partnership marks a critical step in India’s high-speed rail journey. By merging global expertise with local execution, the project not only advances India’s rail ambitions but also signals the country's readiness to join the global league of nations with high-speed rail infrastructure.