New Delhi is set to witness a rail revolution as the Railway Board unveils a comprehensive strategy to fast-track seven new high-speed rail (HSR) corridors announced in Budget 2026. In a high-level board meeting, critical directives were issued to ensure these ambitious projects hit the tracks without delay.
The spotlight is on key routes connecting economic powerhouses: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has been entrusted with the full responsibility of executing these projects swiftly.
To align with current realities, the Board has mandated revisions to existing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), factoring in updated costs and completion estimates. NHSRCL is also tasked with standardizing technical and operational norms across all HSR initiatives nationwide, ensuring uniformity and efficiency.
Field-level core teams will be formed for each corridor, with dedicated project headquarters established. Pre-construction activities are to be meticulously listed, and tender processes kicked off immediately. A major focus is on building a robust pool of trained technical personnel, drawing from Indian Railways where needed.
Progress will be rigorously monitored at the board level, with project-specific human resource assessments to guarantee seamless implementation. This bold initiative promises to transform India’s rail landscape, boosting connectivity, safety, and economic growth across regions.
By knitting together major cities with lightning-fast trains, these corridors will slash travel times, spur trade, and elevate passenger comfort to international standards. India’s high-speed rail dream is now charging full steam ahead.