India is preparing to introduce its first indigenously developed high-speed trainset for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor, the country’s first dedicated bullet train project. While initial operations will depend on Japanese E5 Series Shinkansen technology capable of speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour, India is simultaneously building domestic capability in high-speed rail manufacturing.
The country’s first indigenous bullet train, designated B28 and also referred to as “Vande Bullet,” is being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited at its Aditya production facility in Bengaluru. The plant was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 25, 2026. According to company officials, the first prototype trainset is expected to be rolled out in early 2027, with internal timelines targeting the beginning of the next calendar year for completion.
Following production, the prototype will be transported to the Surat depot being developed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited. It will undergo detailed testing at the manufacturing facility before moving to Surat for depot trials and subsequent mainline testing. Officials have indicated that the full evaluation process is expected to last between four and six months, with all testing parameters already defined.
The Ministry of Railways has set March 2027 as the target for completion of India’s first indigenously built bullet train. Bharat Earth Movers Limited secured the contract in October 2024 from the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory to design, manufacture, and commission two high-speed trainsets. The B28 designation is commonly interpreted as “Bharat-made Bullet,” with operational capability projected at speeds of up to 280 kilometers per hour.
Authorities have identified the 97-kilometer Surat–Vapi section of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor as the first segment where the B28 train could enter service. Operations on this stretch are targeted to begin in August 2027, forming a critical milestone in India’s flagship high-speed rail development.
In parallel, Japan is preparing to phase out two of its most recognizable high-speed trains as part of a broader modernization strategy. West Japan Railway Company has announced that regular commercial services of the 500 Series Shinkansen will end on January 13, 2027.
The train, widely recognized for its aerodynamic design and historical role in shaping high-speed rail development, will continue limited operations through special and charter services following its withdrawal from regular schedules. West Japan Railway Company has stated that all commercial operations are expected to conclude by July 2027, although select units may continue limited service depending on operational requirements.
Japan’s retirement plans also extend to the Doctor Yellow inspection trains, which have long played a critical role in monitoring rail infrastructure and ensuring safety across the Shinkansen network. These retirements form part of Japan’s ongoing effort to modernize its high-speed rail system, replacing aging fleets with newer-generation trains offering enhanced safety systems, improved energy efficiency, greater passenger comfort, and reduced maintenance requirements.
The developments underscore a striking contrast in the evolution of high-speed rail technology. Japan, the pioneer of the Shinkansen system, is gradually retiring legacy trainsets that defined modern bullet train travel. India, meanwhile, is entering its initial phase of bullet train operations while simultaneously developing indigenous manufacturing capacity through the B28 program. If current timelines are achieved, 2027 is set to become a landmark year, marking both the retirement of historic Japanese rail icons and the emergence of India’s first domestically developed high-speed train.
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