Hyderabad to Bengaluru in 2 Hours: Game-Changing Rail Project (AI-generate image)
Unlike conventional trains, these high-speed corridors will be built exclusively for bullet trains, similar to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project. While flights may seem faster, the time spent on airport formalities often evens out the journey duration, making these upcoming rail corridors a game-changer for travellers.
Faster Than Flights?
At present, flights from Hyderabad to Bengaluru take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while those to Chennai take 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, factoring in the time needed to reach the airport, clear security, and travel to the city centre, the total journey extends to nearly 2-3 hours. With high-speed trains, passengers will be able to reach Bengaluru in just 2 hours and Chennai in 2 hours and 20 minutes, offering a competitive alternative to air travel.
A Dedicated High-Speed Network
A senior railway official from South Central Railway (SCR) highlighted the uniqueness of the upcoming corridors, stating, “The project’s survey and assessment will require Rs 33 crore. The forthcoming rail routes will exclusively serve high-speed trains, differing from conventional rail tracks that accommodate various trains, right from freight to Vande Bharat. This design follows the model of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, which is being developed for bullet train operations.”
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, which began its feasibility study in 2015 and started construction in 2021, is expected to be completed by 2028 at a cost of Rs 1.65 lakh crore. Similarly, the Hyderabad corridors will require a long-term timeline, with railway officials estimating a completion period of at least 15 years.
What’s Next?
According to the tender notice, the selected firm will conduct remote sensing studies, geological mapping, and lab testing of soil and rock samples along both corridors. The high-speed rail corridors will be designed for speeds of up to 350 kmph but will operate at 320 kmph.
“While being designed to accommodate speeds of up to 350 kmph, the two corridors will operate at 320 kmph. An elevated corridor is being planned by keeping the provisions for future multi-tracking in the existing broad gauge railway corridors. The study will broadly cover traffic studies, civil engineering studies including bridging, tunnelling, building and other structures, detailed estimate and project appraisal to arrive at the financial internal rate of return,” the tender notice stated.
With feasibility studies and planning underway, Hyderabad’s high-speed rail corridors could redefine travel between the cities, providing a faster, more efficient alternative to air and road transport.
