Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru High Speed Train: What Is The Latest Update About Ambitious Project?

In a major boost to southern India's connectivity, the Central Government is fast-tracking the highly anticipated bullet train linking Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The 463-kilometre high-speed rail project aims to slash the current travel time of 6.5 hours to just 2 hours and 25 minutes-revolutionising the commute between these bustling cities.

PM Modi's Push

Led by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the project envisions a dedicated bullet train track capable of speeds up to 350 kmph. NHSRCL Managing Director Nishant Singhal, after inspecting land acquisition progress along the Andhra-Karnataka border, confirmed that the process has picked up pace, thanks to the Prime Minister's push.

"A dedicated rail corridor will be built for the bullet train," Singhal told Star of Mysore. The alignment, carefully planned to balance engineering and logistics, will pass through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Nine stations are planned across the route: Chennai, Poonamallee, Arakkonam, Chittoor, Bangarapet, Bengaluru, Channapatna, Mandya, and Mysuru.

A key highlight is the 77-kilometre stretch through Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, including a proposed station near Ramapuram neat Chittoor. Land acquisition is actively underway in 41 villages, affecting around 876 farmers. Officials are working with landowners, issuing preliminary notices and stone markers to define boundaries.

Survey work, including utility mapping and identification of overhead, underground, and overground utilities, is also in progress. Contracts have already been awarded for preparing General Alignment Drawings and locating sites for power substations and elevated bridges.

High Speed Train Update

The alignment closely follows the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, particularly between Hoskote (near Bengaluru) and Sriperumbudur (near Chennai), ensuring optimal integration with existing road infrastructure.

While land acquisition is nearing completion in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka has begun the process. Officials stress that once land acquisition wraps up, construction will begin at full speed.

Currently, the Vande Bharat Express is the fastest option, taking 6.5 hours for the Chennai-Mysuru route. The bullet train promises a transformative shift: a journey in less than half the time, modern comfort, and a capacity of 750 passengers per train.