Centre floats tenders for 306km Chennai-Bengaluru bullet train project

The Central Government of India has floated tenders for pre-construction activities for the proposed 306.2km Chennai-Bengaluru high-speed bullet train corridor, which will feature a key terminal station near Chennai Central. The project, which will run on an updated alignment, is expected to be completed by 2035. The high-speed rail aims to slash travel times between the two cities from nearly seven hours to approximately one hour.

The proposed bullet train is expected to run at speeds of 350kmph. The first station on the corridor will be built on the western side of the Chennai suburban station. This station will connect directly to Chennai Central and its local metro station through 100-metre and 50-metre linkages.

Most of the 306.2km corridor will be elevated. Within Tamil Nadu, the route is set to pass through Perambur, Kolathur, Madhavaram, Padi, Annanur, Poonamallee, and Arakkonam. Beyond the state border, the line will cover Chittoor, Kolar, Kodihalli, and Whitefield, before terminating at Baiyappanahalli in Bengaluru.

The Poonamallee station is planned to integrate with the Outer Ring Road and the local metro network. Meanwhile, the revised alignment has cast doubt on the proposed station at Parandur. While the original detailed project report included Parandur, the updated alignment designates it as a "future station," while other stations are marked as "stop stations."

The corridor will feature three tunnels along its route, including one near Chennai Central. The other two tunnels will be located in Andhra Pradesh's Kaundinya wildlife sanctuary and in Bengaluru. Out of the total 306km stretch, approximately 28km will run underground.

According to officials, land acquisition is currently under way in 41 villages along the proposed route. Authorities are also assessing connectivity options for a new station to serve Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, and Sriperumbudur. The tender mandates coordination between Indian Railways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure expressway connectivity.