B35 bullet train project: NHSRCL begins capability assessment for 350 kmph high-speed train development

4 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026 11:44 PM IST

NHSRCL starts capability study for indigenous 350 kmph bullet train (Image generated using AI)

B35 bullet train: The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has initiated the capability assessment for the development of B35 bullet trains in the country. The ‘B35’ refers to a Bharat-made bullet train set with a design speed of 350 kmph and an operational speed of 320 kmph.

These trainsets are being planned for deployment across all proposed bullet train corridors, including: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri.

The B35 trainsets are also expected to operate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (India’s first bullet train project), where construction is progressing at a rapid pace. However, operations on the corridor will commence with the B28 trainsets before the introduction of the next-generation B35 trains.

At present, construction is underway on the 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR). The national transporter plans to operationalise the 97-km stretch from Surat to Vapi in Gujarat by August 2027.

“NHSRCL invites presentations from leading Rolling Stock manufacturers for assessment of their capabilities for development of High Speed Train B35 (max speed 350 kmph) for all high-speed corridors in India,” the corporation said in a statement available on website.

According to NHSRCL, the initial presentations will help to assess the capability of rolling stock manufacturers to design and manufacture high-speed trains for the country’s bullet train network. As part of the evaluation process, participating firms will be required to showcase their expertise in developing propulsion systems capable of supporting speeds of up to 350 kmph, their existing experience in propulsion system design and manufacturing, and their capabilities in designing vehicle electronics, including the Train Control and Management System (TCMS).

The NHSRCL has also been tasked with finalising uniform technical and operational standards for HSR across the country. (Image generated using AI)

The evaluation will further focus on manufacturers’ capabilities to design mechanical systems for trains operating at speeds of up to 350 kmph, as well as their existing experience in the design and manufacturing of such systems.

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The assessment will also examine their Make in India capabilities and plans for production indigenously, the experience and expertise of their engineering and project teams, quality control processes and certifications at existing manufacturing facilities, etc.

“Focus will be on ability to develop a train that runs in Indian climatic conditions. Ability to design and manufacture key components like propulsion, vehicle electronics (TCMS), and mechanical systems will be key to be considered for development along with Make In India capability,” it added.

In February, the responsibility for the swift implementation of these seven HSR projects has been entrusted to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). (Image generated using AI)

B28 bullet train

Currently, manufacturing of the B28 bullet train is underway at BEML’s Aditya facility in Bengaluru. The first B28 high-speed train is expected to be ready by early next year, following which it will be moved to the Surat depot for testing and trial runs on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR).

The B28 (Bharat-made bullet trainset) indicates a design speed of 280 kmph, while its operational speed will be 250 kmph. The national transporter aims to roll out the first train by August 2027.

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors.

Professional Journey

Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com.

Education & Expertise

Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities:

Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University

Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication

Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta

Areas of Coverage

Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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