In a transformative step towards next-generation passenger travel, the Ministry of Railways has accelerated the implementation of seven new High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridors announced in the Union Budget 2026. Following a high-level meeting at the Railway Board, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has been directed to initiate immediate pre-construction activities.

Key Corridors Under the Radar: The proposed routes include Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi, and the strategically vital Varanasi–Siliguri corridor. These routes are designed to act as economic catalysts by connecting India’s primary industrial and cultural hubs.

Strategic Roadmap: The Railway Board has emphasized the standardization of HSR systems across the country and the formation of dedicated field-based core teams for each project. Updated Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prioritized to ensure accurate financial feasibility. With a focus on sustainable, low-emission connectivity, these corridors are expected to drastically reduce travel time while boosting regional economic growth. The government’s focus is now on training technical manpower to support the large-scale execution of these bullet train projects.