Hyderabad to Get Three Bullet Train Corridors, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Hyderabad is set to play a pivotal role in India’s high-speed rail future, with the Centre approving three major bullet train corridors connecting the city to key economic hubs across southern and western India. Announcing the development in Hyderabad on Saturday, Union Minister for Railways, Information Technology and Electronics Ashwini Vaishnaw said the city is emerging as one of the country’s most important transportation and technology centres.

Speaking after the HICIA Global Conference on Cyber Security and IT Roundtable, the minister said that out of the seven proposed bullet train corridors planned nationwide, three will connect Hyderabad . The routes include Hyderabad–Pune, Hyderabad–Chennai and Hyderabad–Bengaluru , creating a high-speed network expected to strengthen regional economies, improve connectivity and support long-term urban growth across southern India.

Vaishnaw said India is designing and manufacturing bullet train systems domestically, helping the country become an important player in the global high-speed rail ecosystem. He added that the first phase of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project is expected to begin operations next year, with additional sections to be opened in stages. In the future, Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, Pune and Bengaluru could be linked through an extensive high-speed rail network.

The minister also highlighted the impact of the ₹5,400 crore railway budget allocation for Telangana , stating that it is driving major infrastructure improvements across the state. Under the nationwide railway station redevelopment programme, modernization work has already been completed at 261 stations .

In Telangana, redevelopment projects are progressing at several major stations. Begumpet and HITEC City stations have been completed, while work at Secunderabad Railway Station is transforming it into a modern transport hub without disrupting regular train operations. The station is being upgraded with advanced passenger facilities, including a large air concourse built above active platforms. Redevelopment works at Warangal and Karimnagar stations have also been completed, while projects at Hyderabad (Nampally), Kazipet Junction and Malakpet are moving ahead rapidly.

Vaishnaw said the government aims to complete modernization of 400 stations by the end of this year and 700 stations by the end of next year .

On the technology front, he noted that the global semiconductor industry faces a shortage of nearly one million skilled professionals , creating a significant opportunity for India. The country currently has 12 semiconductor plants under various stages of development, with three already manufacturing chips for export to Japan, the United States and Europe. To support the sector, advanced semiconductor design tools have been provided to 315 universities across the country.

Highlighting Telangana’s growing role in electronics manufacturing, the minister said 104 electronics companies are operating in the state with central support. He also noted that four major electronics manufacturing clusters have been approved for Telangana. India’s electronics manufacturing industry has grown to nearly ₹13 lakh crore , employs around 2.5 million people , and is projected to reach ₹20 lakh crore in the coming years, further strengthening the country’s position as a global manufacturing destination.