Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven new high-speed rail (HSR) corridors while presenting the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday. These projects aim to improve fast and modern train travel across India and connect major cities with quicker and more comfortable journeys.
Out of the seven proposed routes, two important corridors will start from Chennai, making it a key hub for high-speed rail services in South India. The new corridors include Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Chennai to Bengaluru, Chennai to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Delhi to Varanasi, and Varanasi to Siliguri.
These high-speed trains, often called bullet trains, are expected to reduce travel time significantly. For example, journeys that currently take many hours by regular trains or road could be completed in just a few hours. This will make travel easier for passengers, business people, and tourists.
The project will be carried out by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the government agency responsible for planning and developing high-speed train services in the country. The corporation has already been working on similar projects, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train.
The government believes these new rail corridors will boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve regional connectivity. Faster transportation will help trade, business, and tourism, while also providing safer and more efficient travel options for people.
With Chennai getting two corridors and several other major cities connected, the high-speed rail network is expected to transform the way people travel in India in the coming years.