Indian Railways is set to introduce India’s next fastest train, developed in collaboration with the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory and BEML. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this update in a written reply to Parliament, emphasizing the success of the Vande Bharat trains and the government’s commitment to the Make in India initiative. The new high-speed train is expected to be built at a cost of Rs 28 crore per car, excluding taxes.
Features of the Upcoming High-Speed Train
The new high-speed train will include several advanced features to ensure comfort and safety:
- Aerodynamic design
- Airtight car body for better insulation
- Propulsion for high-speed travel
- Weight optimization for efficiency
- Advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
- Comfortable chair cars with sealed gangways
- Automatic doors and optimum lighting
- CCTVs for security
- Mobile charging facilities
- Fire safety equipment
This train will be completed once its detailed design is finalized.
Update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
Vaishnaw also provided an update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The construction is progressing, with 336 km of pier foundation completed with Japanese assistance. Additionally, 331 km of piers have been built, and 260 km of girder has been cast. The project, which will span 508 km and cover 12 stations, includes work on an undersea tunnel.
The stations for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project are:
- Mumbai
- Thane
- Virar
- Boisar
- Vapi
- Bilimora
- Surat
- Bharuch
- Vadodara
- Anand
- Ahmedabad
- Sabarmati
Cabinet Approves Multi-Tracking Railway Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently approved three railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 7,927 crore. These projects aim to improve rail connectivity across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The approved projects include:
- Jalgaon – Manmad 4th line (160 km)
- Bhusawal – Khandwa 3rd & 4th line (131 km)
- Prayagraj (Iradatganj) – Manikpur 3rd Line
These infrastructure projects are set to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Indian rail network, further promoting economic growth.
