Once operational, the travel time from Hyderabad to Bengaluru is expected to be reduced to just 2 hours, while the journey to Chennai will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Presently, flights from Hyderabad to Bengaluru and Chennai take about 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes, respectively. However, when factoring in airport transfers and waiting times, the overall journey duration by air extends to 2-3 hours, making high-speed rail a viable and efficient alternative.

The Hyderabad-Chennai high-speed rail corridor will span 705 km, while the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route will cover 626 km. RITES Limited, a public sector engineering consultancy, has initiated the process by inviting tenders for the final location survey. This survey, with an estimated cost of Rs 330 million, will encompass the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), alignment design, traffic forecasts, and comprehensive engineering documentation.

These corridors will be dedicated exclusively to high-speed passenger trains, unlike existing rail tracks that accommodate both freight and passenger services. The design of these rail lines will follow the blueprint of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, which is currently under construction. While feasibility studies for the Hyderabad corridors have commenced, the project is expected to take approximately 15 years to complete.

The selected contractor will conduct remote sensing studies, geological mapping, drilling for major bridges, and laboratory testing of soil and rock samples. The corridors will be constructed with elevated tracks designed for potential future expansions and will initially support speeds of up to 320 kmph, with provisions for increasing speeds to 350 kmph.

The study will also include traffic assessments, civil engineering evaluations of essential infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels, and financial appraisals to determine the internal rate of return for the project. The implementation of these high-speed rail lines is expected to transform intercity travel in southern India, offering a faster, more convenient, and efficient transportation option for passengers traveling between Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

News source: Money Control