India is preparing to launch an indigenous bullet train that will reach speeds of more than 250 kilometres per hour (km/h), according to a senior government official.
This high-speed train will outperform all existing trains on the Indian Railways network.
Moreover, the upcoming bullet train under development is based on the Vande Bharat platform, known for its top speed of 220 kmph, an official told ET.
It is also currently under construction at the Indian Railways' Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, where designs are rapidly taking shape.
The emphasis is not only on speed, but also on efficiency. The forthcoming Vande Bharat trains will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 52 seconds, shaving two seconds off existing bullet trains, officials say.
Proudly manufactured by ICF, the Vande Bharat trains showcase India's indigenous engineering prowess and will operate on the newly announced North, South and East corridors, highlighting the fusion of Indian technology and domestic manufacturing.
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), responsible for executing India’s first bullet train project, achieved a significant milestone by completing 300 kilometres of pier work.
In addition, the extensive land acquisition process for the entire 508-kilometre route was completed in January, laying the foundation for India's journey into high-speed rail excellence.