Bullet trains between Bengaluru and Chennai, Hyderabad to be game changers: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Hindu
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces transformative high-speed rail corridors linking Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, enhancing connectivity and boosting growth.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday described the Union Budget 2026-27 as a ‘record budget’ for Karnataka, announcing a railway allocation of ₹7,748 crore and ongoing projects worth ₹52,950 crore in the State.
Addressing a virtual press conference from New Delhi on Monday, a day after the presentation of the Union Budget, the Minister outlined State-wise allocations and key railway projects, highlighting two proposed high-speed rail corridors linking Bengaluru with Hyderabad and Chennai as major game changers.
Mr. Vaishnaw said that the high-speed rail projects announced in the Budget would significantly transform inter-city travel in South India. He explained that the Bengaluru-Chennai-Hyderabad high-speed rail corridor would be developed as a “diamond” project, positioning Bengaluru as a central hub connecting the two other major southern metros.
Calling the bullet train proposals one of the most significant gains for Karnataka in this Budget, the Minister said that the Bengaluru-Chennai corridor would reduce travel time to just about one hour and 13 minutes.
“Bengaluru and Chennai will, in a sense, become two merged cities. One can start at any time of the day, finish work in Chennai and return to Bengaluru the same day. Similarly, the proposed Bengaluru-Hyderabad high-speed rail line would cut travel time to nearly two hours,” he added.
According to Mr. Vaishnaw, the faster connectivity is expected to provide a major boost to manufacturing, design, and IT services, particularly benefiting Bengaluru’s role as a technology and innovation hub.
A recent faunal survey in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary revealed new species, enhancing Kerala's biodiversity records significantly.
Apparently sending a message of optimism, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is eyeing the chief ministerial post, on Monday made a loaded statement on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, saying “Politics is the art of the possible, and I believe that one man with courage makes a majority”.
Residents in Dindigul protest against local stone quarry operations, urging authorities to address safety and structural damage concerns.
CM Revanth Reddy asserts law will investigate wrongdoings, countering BRS leaders' objections to notices served on KCR.
Folk artists in Sivaganga petition for free house site pattas to secure housing amid declining performances and income challenges.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasizes Congress and Communists' intertwined roles in Telangana's struggles for the common man.
Minister R.S. Rajakannappan inaugurates a palm products trade centre in Narippaiyur, boosting employment and supporting women's self-help groups.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Puducherry on February 11 for government programme announcements.
The Aikalabava Kanthabare-Boodabare Jodukare Kambala at Aikala village in Mangaluru taluk of Dakshina Kannada will mark its golden jubilee this year. The traditional slush-track buffalo race will be held this year on February 7 and February 8.
YSRCP files police complaint against TDP for provocative banners targeting leaders over the Tirumala laddu controversy in Visakhapatnam.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces transformative high-speed rail corridors linking Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, enhancing connectivity and boosting growth.
Chief Minister launches Pilloo AI, a voice-based billing agent that simplifies accounting for small businesses in Andhra Pradesh.
British-era irrigation locks in Godavari Delta to be assessed for tourism potential, enhancing local attractions and activities.