15+ features of India's first Bullet Train: Not just 280 kmph speed, check its interiors, passenger facilities and advanced technology

India's first indigenously developed bullet train, B28, has reached an important milestone in its safety assessment. The train is currently undergoing a vehicle body shell evaluation, popularly known as the 'squeeze test', at BEML's manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. BEML, a public sector undertaking, is manufacturing the country's first two indigenous high-speed trainsets. Each will have eight coaches and is being developed specifically for Indian operating conditions. Indian Railways is targeting trial runs of the B28 train on the 100-km Surat-Vapi section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor by May-June 2027. Commercial services on this stretch are expected to begin in August 2027.

Read more - Making of Bullet Train: What India’s high-speed train will look like from inside; check out its high-tech interiors, passenger facilities & technology

From its top speed and seating capacity to Wi-Fi-based entertainment and accessibility features, here are 20 things to know about India's first indigenous bullet train.

India's first bullet train: 15+ features and specifications

Designed with Indian passengers and operating conditions in mind, the B28 train will combine locally developed engineering with features aimed at improving comfort, safety and convenience.

• Maximum testing speed of 280 kmph: The train is designed to undergo testing at speeds of up to 280 kmph.
• Operational speed of 249 kmph: Its planned operating speed is 249 kmph.
• Eight-coach configuration: Each trainset will have eight coaches, comprising four motor cars and four trailer cars.
• Passenger capacity of 557: The train will be able to accommodate around 557 passengers, including dedicated space for two persons with reduced mobility.
• Approximately 202-metre length: The complete eight-coach trainset will measure around 202 metres.
• Two classes of seating: Seven coaches will have standard-class seating in a 3×2 layout, while one executive-class coach will feature a 2×2 arrangement.
• Driver's cabins at both ends: Cabs at either end will be equipped with an intelligent on-board control system to support operational decisions and communication with the operation control centre.
• Option to run two trains together: Two eight-coach trainsets can be coupled to form a 16-coach configuration in the future.
• Ergonomic passenger seats: Seating has been designed to provide comfort and adequate legroom during journeys.
• LED lighting: LED lights will be installed throughout the passenger areas.
• Overhead luggage racks: Passengers will have access to overhead racks for smaller bags and cabin luggage.
• Additional luggage space: Dedicated floor-level luggage stands will provide room for larger suitcases and bags.
• Charging points: Power outlets will allow passengers to charge their mobile phones and use laptops during the journey.
• Bio-digester toilets: Modern bio-digester toilets are designed to manage waste and minimise the discharge of untreated effluent.
• Large passenger windows: Wide windows alongside the seating rows will offer passengers views of the route.
• Sealed gangways between coaches: Single-piece, sealed gangways will connect the coaches, allowing passengers to move between them more comfortably.
• Multilingual information screens: LCD displays will provide travel-related information in English, Hindi and regional languages. Braille signage will also assist visually impaired passengers.
• Public announcements and emergency communication: Automatic announcement systems will provide audio updates, while emergency talk-back units in passenger cabins and vestibules will allow travellers to contact the train crew.
• Wi-Fi-based infotainment: An on-board Wi-Fi system will give passengers access to preloaded entertainment and other infotainment content.
• Improved safety, energy efficiency and ride comfort: Retractable steps will help reduce the gap between the train and platform. The HVAC system, with two units in each coach, will regulate temperature and humidity. Sound insulation, noise-dampening coatings, skirts and bogie covers will help reduce noise. Regenerative braking technology will recover energy during braking and improve efficiency.

What is the squeeze test for India's bullet train?

The squeeze test is an assessment of the train's body shell, intended to check how well its external structure withstands pressure and other forces.

The evaluation examines whether the train's body can resist excessive deformation or structural damage when subjected to heavy loads. It is an important part of assessing the strength and safety of the vehicle structure, including its ability to withstand forces associated with a collision.

The assessment of the B28 train is being carried out at BEML's Bengaluru facility as the indigenous high-speed trainset moves through the development and safety evaluation process.

When will India's first indigenous bullet train begin trials?

Indian Railways is aiming to begin trial runs of the B28 train on the 100-km Surat-Vapi section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor by May-June 2027.

Commercial operations on this stretch are expected to start in August 2027. The train is designed for an operational speed of 249 kmph, while its testing speed is set at up to 280 kmph.

The project marks an important step towards developing high-speed rail technology within the country, with BEML manufacturing the first two indigenous trainsets for the corridor.