India: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced plans for a new high-speed trainset platform, designated B-35, with a design speed of 350 km/h. According to the minister, work on the platform will begin within the next six months.
ICF, a manufacturing facility of national operator Indian Railways, is completing the design of the B-28 trainset, which has a design speed of 280 km/h and an operational speed of 250 km/h (pictured). Its prototype is expected to roll out from BEML‘s Bengaluru plant early next year.
The B-28 programme will inform the development of the B-35. The next-generation trainset, equipped with distributed traction, is to feature component monitoring and upgraded braking systems. It will be designed for India’s varied climatic conditions, including high temperatures, heavy rainfall, dust and high humidity.
While the B-28 is intended for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, the B-35 will be the main rolling stock for seven newly approved high-speed corridors totalling 4,000 km. The lines will be designed for trains operating at a maximum speed of 320 km/h.
