Bengaluru, a hub of technological innovation, is set to make history by manufacturing India’s first high-speed train. In a groundbreaking move, BEML (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited), in partnership with Medha Servo Drives, emerged as the sole bidder for the tender to build two state-of-the-art trains. These high-speed trains, designed to reach 280 km/h, will soon become a reality, marking India’s entry into the high-speed rail era.
The Tender and Partnership
On 5 September 2024, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) issued a tender to manufacture two high-speed chair-car trains. When the tender closed on 19 September, the BEML-Medha consortium stood as the sole bidder. This partnership is significant as BEML brings expertise in car body manufacturing, while Medha Servo Drives, known for its work on Vande Bharat trains, will provide enhanced propulsion systems. The two companies plan to consult a European design firm to ensure the trains meet international standards.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
The two high-speed trains will operate on the ambitious 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, part of a larger infrastructure push in India. Originally, Japanese Shinkansen E5 trains were intended for the corridor. However, the Indian government decided to domestically manufacture the trains due to high costs quoted by Japanese firms.
The first train, designed to operate at 250 km/h, is expected to roll out by December 2026, with trials beginning on the Surat-Bilimora section of the MAHSR corridor. Each train will initially feature seven cars with a seating capacity of approximately 174 passengers, though this number may increase based on future demand.
Targeting Domestic and International Markets
Beyond the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, BEML and Medha are eyeing additional orders for high-speed trains for corridors such as Delhi-Varanasi, Mumbai-Hyderabad, and Bengaluru-Chennai. The Indian government also aims to export these high-speed trains to Southeast Asia and Africa, potentially expanding India’s footprint in global rail markets.
A Leap Forward for India’s Rail Sector
With an estimated tender value of Rs 200-250 crore per train, this development is a major step forward for India’s rail industry. The project signifies India’s growing capability to build high-speed rail infrastructure domestically, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and showcasing its technological prowess.
