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India Proposes 7 High-Speed Rail Corridors to Connect Key Cities in Budget 2026

The Central government has proposed developing seven high-speed rail corridors to connect key urban and economic centres across India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the plan during her Union Budget 2026-27 speech, highlighting the corridors as growth connectors for faster, cleaner mobility. The government will also establish a high-level banking committee to review the system and support India's economic growth, while reviewing foreign investment rules. An integrated programme for the textile sector, including a National Fibre Scheme, was also proposed to boost self-reliance.

Key Points: 7 High-Speed Rail Corridors Proposed in Union Budget 2026-27

  • 7 high-speed rail corridors proposed
  • Links financial & tech hubs like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad
  • Banking committee for Viksit Bharat to be set up
  • Foreign investment rules to be reviewed for ease
2 min read

Centre proposes 7 high-speed rail corridors to link growth cities

Finance Minister announces 7 new high-speed rail corridors linking major cities, alongside banking reforms and textile sector support in the Budget.

"In order to promote environmentally sustainable passenger systems, we will develop seven high-speed rail corridors between cities as growth connectors - Nirmala Sitharaman"

New Delhi, Feb 1

The Central government on Sunday proposed to develop seven high-speed rail corridors across key urban and economic centres.

These corridors will act as growth connectors, cutting travel time, reducing emissions, and supporting regional development, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Union Budget 2026-27 speech.

The proposed routes include Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri.

Together, they will link India's financial hubs, technology centres, manufacturing clusters, and emerging cities with faster and cleaner mobility, said the Union Minister.

"In order to promote environmentally sustainable passenger systems, we will develop seven high-speed rail corridors between cities as growth connectors, namely Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Hyderabad to Chennai, Chennai to Bengaluru, Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Siliguri," she said.

The Finance Minister said the government will also set up a high-level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat. This group will review the entire banking system and suggest changes to support India's next stage of economic growth. At the same time, it will focus on financial stability, inclusion, and protecting consumers.

The Minister sent a clear message about the strength and future direction of India's financial sector, saying that Indian banks are now in a strong position, with healthy balance sheets, high profits, and better control over bad loans.

For foreign investors, the rules on non-debt investments under foreign exchange laws will be reviewed. The aim is to make them more modern and user-friendly, in line with India's changing economic priorities, she mentioned during her Budget speech.

For the labour-intensive textile sector, FM Sitharaman proposed an integrated programme with five key components. The first is the National Fibre Scheme, aimed at achieving self-reliance in natural fibres like silk, wool, and jute, as well as man-made and new industrial-age fibres.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the idea is good, I'm worried about the cost and land acquisition issues. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is already delayed. Shouldn't we focus on improving our existing railway network first? Many daily commuters still face overcrowding and delays.
R
Rohit P
Varanasi to Siliguri is an interesting addition! This will really boost connectivity in the eastern part of the country. It's about time the Northeast gets better linked with the heartland. Good for trade and tourism in Assam and West Bengal.
S
Sarah B
The environmental angle is promising. Shifting passenger traffic from planes and cars to electric high-speed rail can significantly cut emissions. Hope the power for these trains comes from renewable sources. A green transport future is crucial.
K
Karthik V
As someone who travels frequently between Chennai and Bengaluru for work, this news is a dream come true! The current travel time is a pain. A 1-2 hour train journey would transform my work-life balance. Can't wait for this to become reality.
M
Michael C
The focus on banking reforms and the textile sector in the same speech shows a balanced approach to development. Infrastructure needs a strong financial system to support it. The National Fibre Scheme could revive many rural livelihoods. Well-rounded budget.

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