‘Make in India’ bullet trains soon! Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory in Chennai is collaborating with BEML to design and manufacture high-speed train sets capable of reaching 280 kmph!
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Wednesday that after the successful implementation of Vande Bharat trains under “Make in India”, Indian Railways has initiated this new project.
Responding to queries from BJP MPs Sudhir Gupta and Ananta Nayak, Vaishnaw said in a written reply, “The manufacturing cost is approximately Rs 28 crore per car (excluding taxes), which is highly competitive compared with other train sets.” He emphasised that creating high-speed train sets requires sophisticated technological expertise.
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The chair car train sets will feature modern amenities, including aerodynamic exteriors, sealed gangways, automatic doors, climate control, CCTV surveillance, mobile-charging points, appropriate lighting, and fire safety systems.
Vaishnaw also detailed crucial technical elements, including the development of aerodynamic, airtight car bodies, electrical systems with high-speed propulsion, weight optimisation, and advanced HVAC systems.
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The project timeline will be determined after finalising the detailed design specifications.
Regarding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, which receives technical and financial support from Japan, Vaishnaw reported significant progress: 336 km of pier foundation, 331 km of pier construction, 260 km of girder casting, and 225 km of girder launching have been completed. Construction has begun on the 21-km undersea tunnel.
The 508-km MAHSR corridor will connect twelve stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. The required land acquisition of 1,389.5 hectares has been completed.