India-specific bullet train design for Mumbai-Ahmedabad almost ready

India and Japan are nearing completion of the redesigned bullet trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor, a significant step forward for the ambitious project. The adapted Shinkansen trains are being tailored to suit India's unique conditions, with formal approval expected shortly.

Key modifications include increased luggage capacity, the ability to operate in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and enhanced systems to manage dust, a prevalent issue in the region. “Seating arrangements may also be reconfigured, potentially reducing the number of seats per coach compared to the original design,” an official stated.

More than half of the civil work for the MAHSR corridor has been completed across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. In Gujarat, rail welding on viaducts commenced earlier this month. An official update confirmed that rails for the project are being imported from Japan, with over 60 kilometres already installed.

In addition to importing technology, India is focused on indigenizing bullet train production. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been tasked with manufacturing high-speed trainsets capable of reaching speeds up to 280 kmph. This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) at a cost of ₹866.87 crore, with each coach priced at ₹27.86 crore.

The trainsets will be produced at BEML’s Bengaluru facility and are slated for delivery by the end of 2026. These modern trains will feature fully air-conditioned chair cars, reclining and rotatable seats, onboard infotainment systems, and accommodations for passengers with restricted mobility.

Globally, countries like France and Japan operate high-speed trains—such as the TGV and Shinkansen—at speeds exceeding 250 kmph. India’s bullet train project aims to replicate this cutting-edge technology, revolutionizing the nation’s rail infrastructure and passenger experience.