Premium

Hyderabad-Chennai Bullet train: RITES begins feasibility study, travel time will cut to just 140 minutes

Hyderabad to Chennai Bullet train project: The Ministry of Railways is progressing rapidly with plans to expand the country’s bullet train network.

Once operational, the Hyderabad-Chennai bullet train corridor will set new benchmarks. (Image: East Japan Railway Company)Once operational, the Hyderabad-Chennai bullet train corridor will set new benchmarks. (Image: East Japan Railway Company)

Bullet train project in South India: The Ministry of Railways is progressing rapidly with plans to expand the country’s bullet train network. As part of this push for high-speed rail connectivity, a feasibility study is underway for South India’s first bullet train corridor.

South India bullet train network

South India’s first bullet train is planned on the HyderabadChennai route. RITES, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, is conducting the feasibility study for the proposed high-speed rail corridor.

Hyderabad–Chennai Bullet train corridor

The feasibility study by RITES will determine – traffic analysis, demand forecasts, alignment surveys and topographical studies. Later, it will also prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Hyderabad–Chennai High-Speed Rail Corridor.

Hyderabad–Chennai Bullet train corridor to cut travel time

Once operational, the Hyderabad-Chennai bullet train corridor will set a new benchmarks in speed, comfort and connectivity. It will slash travel time from 12 hours to just 2 hours 20 minutes (140 minutes).

Bullet train route in South India

Earlier in August, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that a survey for the bullet train project in South India has been ordered.

Naidu said the proposed bullet train network will connect four cities in South India. These are: Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, and Bengaluru. “Very soon bullet train is going to come to South India. That is going to happen. Survey has been ordered.

From Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, Bangalore, all four cities, more than five crore population and the biggest market in the world,” he said while addressing the ‘India Food Manufacturing Summit’ at Visakhapatnam.

Story continues below this ad

Possible Bullet train routes in India

Previously, the National Rail Plan mentioned the following routes for possible development of high speed rail network:

  • Delhi – Varanasi
  • Delhi – Ahmedabad
  • Mumbai – Nagpur
  • Mumbai – Hyderabad
  • Chennai – Mysore
  • Delhi – Amritsar
  • Varanasi – Howrah

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments