Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inaugurated an Atmanirbhar high-speed bullet train coach production unit at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bengaluru and outlined a series of upcoming railway initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity in Karnataka. The newly launched facility, named the Aditya plant, will manufacture coaches for India’s indigenous high-speed bullet train project, the B-28.
The project is being jointly designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and BEML.
Vaishnaw said the B-28 train is part of India’s push for self-reliance in advanced rail technology. Manufacturing will take place at the Aditya plant, which is equipped with high-precision machinery, including robotic laser welding systems. He added that the first prototype is expected by early next year, with full production readiness targeted by the end of 2027.
During his visit, the minister reviewed the ongoing production of railway and metro coaches and interacted with BEML officials and staff. Senior officials, including Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar and BEML Managing Director Shantanu Roy, were present at the event.
Announcing new connectivity measures, Vaishnaw said two new train services between Bengaluru and Mumbai will begin in the coming months. These include a superfast service via Hubballi-Dharwad and a Vande Bharat Sleeper service connecting the two cities.
He also highlighted improvements in rail connectivity to coastal Karnataka. Electrification of the Hassan–Mangaluru line has been completed, and Vande Bharat Express services are expected to begin soon. “We will soon have Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Madgaon. The entire coastal Karnataka will be serviced very soon,” he said, adding that a rail link from Bengaluru to Madgaon via Mangaluru is also planned.
Referring to the Vande Bharat Sleeper service currently operating between Guwahati and Kolkata, Vaishnaw noted that the train has been witnessing 80–90 percent occupancy, indicating strong passenger demand.
The minister also reviewed the progress of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, stating that it is advancing steadily. He said the appointment of a technical expert, Laxman, as managing director has strengthened execution. He added that land acquisition is underway and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed and acknowledged recent progress.
Vaishnaw further pointed to upcoming high-speed rail developments, including the proposed Bengaluru–Chennai corridor, which is expected to cut travel time between the two cities to around 73 minutes.
Earlier in the day, the minister was received at Kempegowda International Airport by PIB Bengaluru Additional Director General S G Ravindra.
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