DPRs for Hyderabad-Chennai, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Patna-Siliguri bullet train corridors likely by March 2027

Bullet train projects in India

Earlier in February, the Railway Board entrusted the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited with the swift implementation of seven new high-speed rail projects, including Mumbai–Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri corridors.

The Railway Board also directed the formation of dedicated core teams for each bullet train project, the establishment of project-wise headquarters, the preparation of a list of pre-construction activities and the initiation of the contract documentation process.

Hyderabad-Chennai bullet train corridor

The proposed bullet train between Hyderabad and Chennai is expected to reduce travel time to around 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Hyderabad-Bengaluru bullet train corridor

The Hyderabad-Bengaluru bullet train would cut the travel time to just 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri bullet train corridor

The Varanasi-Siliguri journey via Patna by bullet train would take around 2 hours and 55 minutes.

B28 bullet train design

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways has set a target to manufacture the country’s first bullet train, ‘B28’, by March 2027. This high-speed train is being developed by BEML at its rail coach complex located at Bengaluru.

The B28 (Bharat-made bullet trainset) indicates a design speed of 280 kmph, while its operational speed will be 250 kmph.

The high-speed trainset will feature a fully air-conditioned, Chair Car configuration coach. The Bharat made Bullet trainset will also offer modern passenger amenities such as reclining and rotatable seats, special provisions for passengers with restricted mobility and onboard infotainment systems.