Bengaluru to Chennai in 73 minutes? Southern Bullet Train plan gets PM Modi’s approval

India’s proposed high-speed rail network is set to expand across southern India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi approving a Southern Bullet Train corridor connecting Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Sunday, November 1.

The proposed corridor is expected to bring four major economic and technology centres closer, supporting regional connectivity and creating a larger integrated economic zone.

Vaishnaw made the announcement in Bengaluru after flagging off the inaugural run of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

He said the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai could take just 73 minutes, while travel between Bengaluru and Hyderabad could be reduced to approximately two hours and 10 minutes, reported The Economic Times

“This will basically combine these large economies, technology capitals, into one large economy. This will be a huge multiplier for the states in South India,” Vaishnaw said.

The proposed network would connect important commercial, industrial and technology centres across Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

However, several details remain to be worked out. The railway minister’s announcement did not provide a final route alignment, station locations, project cost or construction schedule.

The detailed project planning and implementation arrangements will therefore determine how the proposed corridor takes shape and which cities and economic centres receive direct connectivity.

Vaishnaw also indicated that India was preparing to announce another 3,000 km of high-speed rail corridors in the coming years, beyond the 4,000 km already approved.

He said corridors such as a proposed Bengaluru-Pune connection could also feature in future expansion plans.

The Southern corridor announcement marks an important step towards expanding high-speed rail connectivity beyond the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project, although the proposed southern network still requires detailed planning before construction can begin.