Bengaluru, Feb 2 (UNI)Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Monday outlined a sweeping plan for high-speed rail development across South India, highlighting projects that promise to significantly reduce travel times, boost regional economies, and transform intercity connectivity.
Speaking at a virtual press briefing, Vaishnaw detailed initiatives for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, emphasising the benefits for passengers, businesses, and the broader infrastructure ecosystem.
Vaishnaw announced that travel between Hyderabad and Chennai will be reduced to just 2 hours 55 minutes, making this corridor a major economic artery for the region. The minister noted that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100 per cent electrification of its railway network, and 73 stations are currently undergoing complete redevelopment. “Many projects have been sanctioned in the recent past, and additional expansions are underway,” he said.
The Kolkata–Chennai route, which passes through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, will be upgraded to a four-lane, quadruple-track corridor. Vaishnaw emphasised close coordination with the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure timely deposit of state funds and expedite project execution.
Telangana will benefit from a record allocation of Rs 5,454 crore, a sixfold increase compared to previous budgets under the Congress government. Overall project investment in the state will total nearly Rs 48,000 crore.
The state is set to host three new bullet train lines: Hyderabad–Chennai, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, and Hyderabad–Pune. Travel times will be drastically reduced: Hyderabad–Pune to 1 hour 55 minutes, Hyderabad–Chennai to 2 hours 55 minutes, and Hyderabad–Bengaluru to 2 hours.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the successful implementation of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has provided crucial technical and operational learnings. All new high-speed rail lines will operate at 350 km per hr and will be fully elevated to minimise disruption to local communities and farmland. Detailed project reports, including alignment and design finalizations, are underway.
Karnataka is set to receive a record railway budget of Rs 7,748 crore, with total project outlay exceeding Rs 52,950 crore. The state will see two new bullet train projects: Bengaluru–Hyderabad and Bengaluru–Chennai. Travel times will be dramatically reduced, with Bengaluru–Chennai cut to just 1 hour 30 minutes and Bengaluru–Hyderabad to 2 hours. Vaishnaw noted that these projects will not only improve connectivity but also significantly boost manufacturing, IT services, and the design ecosystem in Bengaluru, making it a hub for startups and technological innovation.
Vaishnaw described the broader vision for South India, where Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai will form a high-speed rail “diamond,” connecting major metropolitan areas with fast, efficient, and sustainable transport. Amravati and other cities will also be integrated into this network, expanding economic opportunities and fostering regional development.
He added that the second phase of India’s bullet train initiative involves seven new projects across the country—two in the North and East, and five in the South and West. These projects, built on the experience of the first Mumbai–Ahmedabad line, are expected to set new benchmarks in high-speed rail technology, engineering, and project management.
Vaishnaw emphasized that these initiatives are not just about faster travel; they are catalysts for economic growth. The integration of high-speed rail corridors will facilitate trade, boost tourism, support IT and manufacturing sectors, and create employment opportunities. Elevated tracks will ensure minimal disruption to local communities, while advanced engineering techniques will safeguard farmland and villages along the corridors.
Key highlights include Hyderabad–Chennai travel time reduced to 2 hours 55 minutes, Hyderabad–Bengaluru to 2 hours, Hyderabad–Pune to 1 hour 55 minutes, Bengaluru–Chennai to 1 hour 30 minutes, and Bengaluru–Hyderabad to 2 hours.
Telangana has a budget allocation of Rs 5,454 crore with projects totaling Rs 48,000 crore, while Karnataka receives Rs 7,748 crore with projects totaling Rs 52,950 crore.
All new high-speed trains will operate at 350 km/h with elevated tracks, and Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai will form a high-speed rail “diamond,” connecting South Indian cities and integrating other towns like Amravati into the network.
