South India’s First Bullet Train: Hyderabad–Chennai High-Speed Rail Corridor Feasibility Study Underway, Says Report

A major step toward high-speed connectivity in South India has begun with the launch of a feasibility study for a bullet train corridor between Hyderabad and Chennai, Metro Rail Today reported.

If implemented, the project could cut travel time from nearly 12 hours to just 2 hours 20 minutes.

The study is being carried out by RITES Ltd, a government-owned consultancy, as part of India’s broader plan to expand bullet train networks beyond western India, where the Mumbai–Ahmedabad project is already under construction.

RITES has been assigned to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR), including traffic analysis, alignment surveys, and topographical assessments.

Early design work is reportedly also part of the scope, laying the foundation for one of South India’s most important transport corridors.

The proposed 705-kilometre line will be built on a dedicated elevated track designed for speeds of up to 350 kmph, with trains expected to operate at 320 kmph.

Once completed, the corridor would rival air travel by reducing journey times between the two state capitals to just over two hours.

Currently, conventional trains take 12–14 hours on existing Indian Railways routes.

The bullet train would not only slash travel time but also decongest existing lines, improve regional integration, and boost economic growth.

Officials cited in the MRT report estimate the project will require at least 15 years to build, based on timelines from the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor.

The Hyderabad–Chennai link is part of a larger push to create a southern bullet train triangle, with a parallel study also underway for a Hyderabad–Bengaluru line.

Earlier on Friday (29 August), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said bullet train connectivity will soon be established in South India, revolutionising travel across Hyderabad, Amaravati, Chennai and Bengaluru.

Addressing the 'India Food Manufacturing Summit', the chief minister said the bullet train connectivity will cater to a population of five crore people from these four cities.

"Very soon bullet train is going to come to South India. That is going to happen. A survey has been ordered. More than five crore population from Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati and Bengaluru will benefit from this initiative," Naidu was quoted as saying by ETV Bharat.

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Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: Over 400 Km Pier Foundation, 317 Km Viaduct Complete