‘Make in India’ bullet train 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 Vaishnav told Parliament on Wednesday that after its successful implementation Vande Bharat Train Indian Railways has started this new project under “Make in India”.
Responding to questions from BJP MPs Sudhir Gupta and Anant Nayak, Vaishnav said in a written reply, “The manufacturing cost per car is around Rs 28 crore (excluding taxes), which is highly competitive compared to other train sets.” He emphasized that manufacturing high-speed train sets requires sophisticated technical expertise.
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The chair car train set will have modern features, including aerodynamic exterior, sealed gangways, automatic doors, climate control, CCTV surveillance, mobile-charging points, proper lighting and fire protection system.
Vaishnav also detailed important technical elements, including the development of aerodynamics, airtight car body, electrical systems with high-speed propulsion, weight optimization and advanced HVAC systems.
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The project timeline will be determined after detailed design specifications are finalized.
Regarding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, which receives technical and financial assistance from Japan, Vaishnav reported significant progress: laying of 336 km of pier foundations, construction of 331 km of pier, 260 km of girder casting and 225 km of girder casting. Km girder has been launched. Completed Construction of a 21 kilometer long undersea tunnel has started.
The 508 km long MAHSR corridor will connect twelve stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Necessary acquisition of 1,389.5 hectares of land has been completed.