India’s first bullet train is coming in 2027: B28 train's speed, features, launch revealed

India is preparing to enter a new era of rail travel.

Building on its push for next-generation rail technology with the country's first ‘swadeshi’ hydrogen train, Indian Railways is now gearing up for another major milestone - the indigenous high-speed trainset B28, expected to roll out in 2027, marking a significant step towards home-grown bullet train technology and future-ready transportation.

Designed and manufactured in India, the B28 is being positioned as a symbol of the country's ambition to build its own high-speed rail ecosystem instead of depending entirely on imported technology.

The train is being developed by BEML Limited in collaboration with Integral Coach Factory.

But what makes the B28 special, and how will it change the future of train travel in India? Let's find out.

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What is India's B28 high-speed train?

The B28 is an indigenous bullet train developed for India's first high-speed rail corridor - the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.

The trainset has been designed to achieve speeds of up to 280 km/h, with operational speeds expected to be lower depending on testing and service requirements.

Unlike conventional Indian trains that run on existing railway infrastructure, the B28 will operate on a dedicated high-speed rail corridor built specifically for bullet train operations.

The project represents a significant shift in India's railway journey - moving from improving existing networks to developing world-class high-speed rail technology.

When will the B28 train start operations?

The first B28 trainset is expected to be ready by 2027, with the initial operational deployment planned on the Surat-Vapi section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.

The Surat-Vapi stretch, covering around 97 kilometres, is expected to become one of the first operational sections of India's ambitious high-speed rail project.

The launch will be closely watched as it will mark India's first experience with domestically manufactured high-speed rail technology.

The 'Make in India' bullet train push

The B28 is more than just a faster train - it is also a major step towards railway technology localisation.

For decades, countries such as Japan, China and France have dominated the global high-speed rail sector.

With the B28, India is attempting to develop its own capabilities in designing, manufacturing and operating high-speed trains.

The project aligns with India's broader focus on "Make in India", indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance in critical infrastructure sectors.

How fast will the B28 bullet train travel?

The B28 has been designed for a maximum speed of around 280 km/h.

While this is lower than some of the world's fastest commercial trains, the project is an important first step for India's high-speed rail ambitions.

Future developments are expected to focus on improving speed, technology and expanding India's high-speed rail network.

How is B28 different from regular Indian trains?

The difference is not just speed. High-speed trains require specialised infrastructure, including dedicated tracks, advanced signalling systems, improved safety technology, aerodynamic train designs, and higher standards of passenger comfort.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor itself is being developed with advanced engineering standards inspired by global high-speed rail systems.

What will passengers experience?

The B28 is expected to offer a more premium travel experience compared with traditional railway services.

High-speed rail systems typically focus on faster journey times, smoother rides, modern interiors, better passenger amenities, and greater reliability.

The introduction of the B28 could eventually change how Indians travel between major cities by making long-distance journeys quicker and more efficient.

The future of Indian Railways is getting faster

From steam engines to electric locomotives and now bullet trains, Indian Railways has continuously evolved with changing technology.

The arrival of the B28 in 2027 could mark one of the biggest transformations in the country's railway history - introducing a new chapter of high-speed travel made in India.

For millions of passengers, the dream of travelling on an Indian-built bullet train may soon become a reality.