Planning for the B35 high-speed train is already moving ahead, even though India’s first high-speed service has not yet entered operation. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited has asked leading global manufacturers to present their capabilities for the proposed train, which is intended for future bullet train corridors across India.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project route infographic
Official project infographic for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. Photo: PIB / National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited

NHSRCL to Assess B35 High-Speed Train Capabilities

The process will help NHSRCL assess which companies have the technical and manufacturing capacity to design and build the trains. Presentations are planned for July 17 and 18⁠, while interested companies must confirm their participation by July 10.

The proposed B35 trainsets are being considered for later high-speed rail routes planned in different parts of the country. They are also expected to be used on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor in the future.

Manufacturers will need to show experience and capability across several technical areas, including propulsion design for speeds of 350 kmph, existing propulsion design and manufacturing experience, and the design and production of vehicle electronics, including TCMS.

NHSRCL is also seeking information on mechanical systems for 350 kmph operation, existing experience in mechanical system design and production, and the ability to manufacture trains in India under the Make in India framework. Companies will also need to provide details on workforce experience, quality control systems at existing facilities, related certifications, and compliance with national security rules.

The corporation will focus particularly on whether the proposed trains can operate dependably in Indian weather and conditions. The ability to design and produce key components within India will also be an important factor in the assessment.

Future High-Speed Rail Corridors in India

The B35 trainsets are planned for several proposed high-speed rail corridors, including Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi, and Varanasi–Siliguri.

The B35 assessment sits within India’s wider high-speed rail programme, not only a single train procurement track. A PIB backgrounder says the Union Budget 2026–27 announced seven high-speed rail corridors spanning nearly 4,000 km, with expected investments of about ₹16 lakh crore. The same backgrounder says the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project has a design speed of 350 kmph and an operational speed of 320 kmph, which adds context to NHSRCL’s focus on manufacturer capability around 350 kmph systems for future corridors.

B35 High-Speed Train and India’s HSR Plan
NHSRCL Invites global manufacturers to build faster version of bullet trains in India/ Representational Imgae

Before the B35 trains are introduced, Indian Railways plans to bring the B28 bullet train into service on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. BEML is currently producing the B28 train at its Bengaluru facility⁠.

Work is continuing on the 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor⁠, which is India’s first bullet train project. Indian Railways plans to begin operations on the 97 km Surat-Vapi section in Gujarat by August 2027, making it the first part of the corridor to open for service.