India's First Bharat-Made Bullet Train: Features, Interiors, Technology and Passenger Facilities

India is getting one step closer to having a high-speed rail service after the Bharat-made Bullet Train was showcased by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a video. The train will have 8 carriages and passengers will enjoy modern seats, facilities for accessibility, Wi-Fi-enabled entertainment systems and energy-efficient technologies. It will be manufactured in Bengaluru, Karnataka at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).

Specifications of the Bharat Made Bullet Train

India’s first Bharat-made Bullet Train is designed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. It will include 8 coaches.

It has been designed to run at speeds of up to 249 kmph and will be tested at speeds of up to 280 kmph. It will have space for approximately 557 passengers.

Feature and It’s Specification

Project: Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor
Manufacturer: Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)
Manufacturing Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Number of Coaches: 8
Length: ~202m
Operating Speed: Max 249kmph
Test Speed: Max 280kmph
Passenger Capacity: ~557
Motor Cars: 4
Trailer Cars: 4
Standard Class Seating: 3+2
Executive Class Seating: 2+2
Train Configuration: 2 x 8 Coach Trains. Can be combined to create 16 Coaches.

The train will have 4 motor cars. 7 coaches will have standard class seating (3+2). Executive class will have 2+2 seating.

There will also be designated spaces for Divyangjan passengers and persons with reduced mobility (PRM). Intelligent onboard control systems will be fitted to the driver cabins at each end of the train.

Interior Design of the Bullet Train

The interior of the Bharat-made Bullet Train has been designed to provide passengers with comfort. The seats have been designed to cater for Indian passengers with plenty of legroom and ergonomic design.

Inside each coach, there will be LED lighting, luggage racks above the seats and extra luggage storage on the floor for larger suitcases. There will also be sockets so passengers can charge their mobile phones and use laptops.

Modern bio-digesters will be used for toilets to reduce waste. Large windows will be provided above the seating areas.

Passengers will also enjoy a sealed unit gangway between coaches.

Passenger Information System

Passengers will be provided with information throughout the journey. Inside the coaches, there will be LCD screens with information in English, Hindi and local languages.

There will also be a PA system with automatic announcements. Emergency talkback units will be fitted in the passenger cabins and vestibules so passengers can get in contact with the train staff.

There will be Wi-Fi-enabled entertainment systems.

Accessibility Features

The interior of the train has been designed to be accessible for all passengers. There will be designated facilities for passengers with disabilities.

The floor of the train will be level with the platform so it will be easier to board. Retractable steps will be provided near to the doors to reduce the gap.

Other accessibility features include,

Designated seating for Divyangjan passengers.
Accessible toilets.
Doorways to allow wheelchair access.
Braille on information boards.
Designated areas for persons with reduced mobility.
To make travelling on the train more accessible.

Air Conditioning & Noise Reduction

The train will have an HVAC system to keep the coaches at a comfortable temperature and humidity. Each carriage will have 2 HVAC units.

Many steps have been taken to reduce noise and vibrations. This includes soundproofing the body and floor of the carriages. Sound dampeners have also been used. Skirts, bogie covers, and fairings will be included to protect the train. This will reduce noise.

Technologies Used

The Bharat-made Bullet Train will run using a 25 kV, 50 Hz single-phase AC traction system. It will be powered by a heavy compound catenary.

The train will also include Regenerative Braking technology. This helps to increase energy efficiency by using some of the energy created during braking.

Technology and It’s Purpose

25 kV 50 Hz AC Traction: Provides power for the train.
Heavy Compound Catenary: Provides power for the train.
Regenerative Braking: Uses energy during braking.
Intelligent Onboard Control: Supports driver decisions.
WiFi-enabled entertainment: Provides entertainment.

Aerodynamics Design

The exterior of the train has been designed to improve aerodynamics. The nose and body have been designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This allows engineers to understand how the air will flow around the train.

Aerodynamics will help to reduce drag and turbulence. It will also help to manage pressure waves caused by high-speed trains entering tunnels.

The roof panels, HVAC units, and air deflectors have been designed to work with the aerodynamics. The sealed carriages and special airflow features will help to manage pressure differences.

Key Information About the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor

The Bharat-made Bullet Train has been designed for the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. It demonstrates India’s ambition to provide high-speed rail services.

It is manufactured in Bengaluru at BEML. The train has been designed with passenger facilities and engineering systems to support high-speed travel.