Alignment Plans Released for Bullet Train Routes Connecting Bengaluru to Chennai and Hyderabad
Bengaluru: Three months after the Union Budget announced high-speed rail corridors linking Bengaluru with Chennai and Hyderabad, Indian Railways has now released the proposed alignments for both routes, offering a clearer picture of the ambitious bullet train projects.
The newly released plans also include an approximate alignment for the Bengaluru-Mysuru corridor, despite the route not being included in the Union Budget announcement.
Bengaluru-Chennai Corridor
The proposed Bengaluru-Chennai high-speed rail line will stretch approximately 306 kilometres. According to the alignment map, the route will begin at Baiyappanahalli in Bengaluru and pass through key locations including Whitefield, Kodihalli, and other surrounding regions before heading toward Chennai.
A major highlight of the project is a 15.94-kilometre tunnel section within Bengaluru city limits, designed to minimize disruption in densely populated urban areas. Outside the city, the corridor is expected to feature a combination of elevated and at-grade tracks.
The project aims to significantly reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai while boosting economic connectivity between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Bengaluru-Hyderabad Corridor
The proposed Bengaluru-Hyderabad bullet train corridor will cover around 607.03 kilometres.
The route is expected to include stations at key locations such as:
- Kodihalli
- Devanahalli (near Kempegowda International Airport)
- Additional stops across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana before reaching Hyderabad
This corridor is expected to improve intercity transportation and provide a faster alternative to road and air travel.
Bengaluru-Mysuru Route Also Proposed
Although the Bengaluru-Mysuru high-speed rail corridor was not part of the Union Budget announcement, railway authorities have reportedly shared an approximate alignment for the route.
This indicates that authorities may be considering future expansion of India’s high-speed rail network in southern states.
Boost to Southern Rail Connectivity
The announcement of these alignments marks a significant step toward expanding India’s bullet train infrastructure beyond western India, where the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is currently under development.
If implemented successfully, the Bengaluru-Chennai and Bengaluru-Hyderabad bullet train corridors could transform travel across South India by reducing commute times, improving regional connectivity, and supporting economic growth.