Bengaluru–Hyderabad bullet train project picks up pace, DPR submission by March 2026

The 626 km Bengaluru–Hyderabad high-speed rail project could slash travel time from 19 hours to just 2, with final surveys underway and the DPR set to be submitted in March 2026.

The much-awaited Bengaluru–Hyderabad Bullet Train project is moving closer to reality, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected to be submitted by March 2026. The ambitious project, covering a distance of 626 km, promises to cut travel time between the two IT hubs from nearly 19 hours to just 2 hours — a major boost for commuters and businesses.

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The South Central Railway (SCR) has begun the final location survey and alignment work for the proposed corridor, with RITES Ltd carrying out the technical surveys. Once the survey is complete, SCR will prepare and submit the DPR to the Railway Board, which will then forward it to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for final approval. Following the Cabinet’s nod, the tender process for construction will kick off.

However, the project’s progress could hinge on land acquisition, which remains a major challenge. Meetings have already been held with state authorities to iron out potential issues, as any dispute or delay in land acquisition may require route alterations. The cooperation of both Karnataka and Telangana governments will play a crucial role in finalising the alignment and ensuring smooth execution.

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The initiative has received a political push, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urging railways to speed up work on both the Bengaluru–Hyderabad and Hyderabad–Chennai high-speed corridors. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has also hinted at a larger South India-wide bullet train network, potentially linking multiple cities across the region.

Designed on the lines of the Ahmedabad–Mumbai bullet train project, the Bengaluru–Hyderabad high-speed rail line will have a top design speed of 350 km/h and an operational speed of 320 km/h, making it one of India’s fastest rail corridors. If executed as planned, the project could transform connectivity, reduce road traffic burden, and become a catalyst for economic growth across South India.

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