Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-indian-railways-manufacturing-280-kmph-high-speed-trains-at-rs-28-crore-each-check-out-the-features-here-3678589/
Publisher: The Financial Express
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), is spearheading the design and manufacturing of high-speed train sets with a design speed of 280 kmph. This initiative marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ (IR) commitment to innovation and indigenisation under the “Make in India” initiative.
High-Speed Train Sets: Features and Cost
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighted that the manufacturing cost of these high-speed train cars is approximately Rs 28 crore per car (excluding taxes). This cost is significantly competitive when compared to global counterparts.
Key technical aspects of the project include:
Aerodynamic Design: Airtight car bodies for enhanced performance.
Propulsion Systems: Advanced electrics tailored for high-speed applications.
Weight Optimisation: Lightweight structures for improved efficiency.
HVAC Systems: State-of-the-art heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning for passenger comfort.
The train sets will feature chair cars equipped with:
Aerodynamic exteriors and sealed gangways.
Automatic doors and fire safety systems.
Mobile charging points, CCTV, and optimum lighting.
Climate-controlled interiors for superior passenger experience.
“The completion timeline of the project will be determined after finalising the detailed design,” Vaishnaw added.
Progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project:
Vaishnaw also updated Parliament on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, India’s first bullet train venture being executed with Japan’s technical and financial support.
Key achievements include:
Completion of 336 km of pier foundation, 331 km of pier construction, 260 km of girder casting, and 225 km of girder launching.
The commencement of work on the 21-km undersea tunnel, a critical segment of the 508-km-long project.
The MAHSR project will feature 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Surat, and Ahmedabad, with all the necessary 1,389.5 hectares of land already acquired. The high-speed train sets and the bullet train project signify Indian Railways’ bold strides towards modernising rail infrastructure. By combining local manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology, India aims to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and position itself as a leader in high-speed rail innovation.
