Mumbai–Hyderabad Bullet Train Project: India’s Next Big Leap in High-Speed Rail Connectivity (canva)
Mumbai to Hyderabad: In a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and transforming long-distance travel in southern and western India, the ambitious
Mumbai–Hyderabad High-Speed Rail (MHHSR) project is steadily taking shape. Proposed to span a total distance of 767 km, the corridor will link Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad via 11 strategically placed stations across Maharashtra and Telangana.
The MHHSR is the fifth of six new
high-speed rail corridors announced by the Indian government in 2019. While construction is yet to begin, initial tendering for key groundwork commenced in October 2020, as per The Metro Rail Guy report. Once operational, it will join the elite ranks of high-speed rail lines aimed at revolutionising India’s transport landscape.
At present, none of the corridors is under construction, and no section is yet operational. However, all 767 km remain firmly on the proposed blueprint.
Top-Class Technology and Design Specifications
The proposed bullet train will boast cutting-edge specifications to ensure speed, safety, and efficiency:
Operational Speed: 320 km/h
Average Speed: 250 km/h
Track Gauge: Standard Gauge (1435 mm)
Signalling System: Digital Signalling with DS-ATC
Traction: 25 kV AC overhead catenary (OHE)
Passenger Capacity: Approximately 750 per train
Safety Features: Equipped with the Urgent Earthquake Detection and Alarm System (UrEDAS) to enable automatic braking in the event of seismic activity
Route and Stations: Linking Major Urban and Semi-Urban Hubs
The bullet train will traverse an estimated 767 km through a combination of elevated, underground, and at-grade tracks. The proposed 11 stations along the route include:
Navi Mumbai (likely near Navi Mumbai International Airport)
Lonavala
Pune
Kurkumb/Daund
Akluj
Pandharpur
Solapur
Kalaburagi (Gulbarga)
Zaheerabad
Hyderabad
The route is expected to follow major expressways, national highways, and greenfield corridors, with a possible origin point near Thane. It may also integrate with the 508.17 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR at Package C3.
Ticket Pricing: Affordable Yet Premium Travel Experience
Although the official fare structure is yet to be announced, early estimates suggest ticket prices will be approximately 1.5 times the cost of Indian Railways’ current first-class AC fare. More concrete pricing details are expected closer to the commencement of commercial operations.
Ongoing Tenders and Key Players Involved
Numerous contractors have already been shortlisted for various preliminary assignments essential to the project’s progress. Notable developments include:
Data Collection and DPR Surveys: Highway Engineering Magnitude Consortium emerged as the lowest bidder among four
Traffic/Ridership Study: PK Engineers led the bid
General Alignment Drawings (GADs): Assigned to Translink Consultants
Final Alignment Design and Aerial LiDAR Survey: Taken up by Monarch Surveyors and Engineering Consultants Ltd
Utility Mapping and Power Sourcing Surveys: Entrusted to Chetak Engineers
Social Impact Assessment and Resettlement Plan: Managed by Egis India Consulting Engineers in partnership with JS Environics
Environmental Impact Assessment: Technical bids under evaluation, with seven bids received
Though the exact cost of the project has not yet been finalised, the MHHSR is poised to bring sweeping benefits—cutting travel time, boosting regional economies, and promoting sustainable urbanisation. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) continues to provide updates through their dedicated news and construction update portal.
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