750 km in just two hours: South India set for next-level rail travel, Kerala also likely to benefit

CHENNAI: India’s first bullet train is getting ready for service on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. Following this, the central government is considering several new high-speed rail routes across the country. The aim is to transform train travel in India with high-speed connectivity.

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government requested a feasibility study for new bullet train routes. The state has sent a letter to the Railway Board seeking approval. Tamil Nadu says the project will improve connectivity between major South Indian cities. Among the proposed routes is a 744-km corridor between Chennai and Hyderabad. If implemented, the travel time could be reduced to just 2.5 hours.

Currently, it takes around 10 to 12 hours to travel between Chennai and Hyderabad by train. The proposed bullet train is expected to run at speeds of 320–350 km/h, significantly cutting travel time. Apart from faster travel, the project is also expected to strengthen economic and social ties between Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The proposal also includes routes passing through Kerala. Key cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are part of the plan. Tamil Nadu has requested permission to conduct feasibility studies for two high-speed corridors: Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai to Kochi.

The proposed routes include one via Tiruchirappalli and Nagercoil to Thiruvananthapuram, and another via Salem and Coimbatore to Kochi. However, cooperation from Kerala will be essential for the project to move forward.

With Tamil Nadu pushing the plan, Kerala’s long-standing dream of having a high-speed rail corridor could gain momentum. Experts say the Kerala government and MPs from the state need to take active steps to make the project a reality.