The ambitious 435-kilometer Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru high-speed rail (HSR) project is set to become a transformative force, connecting the key locations of Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mysuru. This corridor, known for its dense population and hosting corporate hubs, tech parks, manufacturing facilities, and townships, anticipates a significant reduction in travel time between these prominent cities.
The proposed route for the Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru HSR includes nine stations: Chennai, Poonamallee, Arakkonam (Tamil Nadu), Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh), Bangarapet (Karnataka), Bengaluru, Channapatna, Mandya, and Mysuru. Contracts have already been awarded for various project aspects, including General Alignment Drawings, utility identification, and power sourcing evaluations.
Currently undergoing a land survey along the corridor, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) aims to finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR), outlining specifics such as alignment, station locations, expected ridership, and fare structure. The proposed HSR track follows the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, potentially bringing it closer to the second airport in Chennai at Parandur.
The high-speed rail is expected to significantly reduce travel times, with the Vande Bharat Express taking 6 hours and 30 minutes from Mysuru to Chennai via Bengaluru, while the HSR could cover the distance in just 2 hours and 25 minutes. Operating at speeds of up to 350 kmph, the HSR aims to have an average speed of 250 kmph, accommodating 750 passengers per train.
Business leaders and rail experts foresee a boost in business travel, estimating a fivefold increase in business agreements and visits once the HSR is operational. The project could potentially attract air travelers to trains, offering a more convenient and time-efficient alternative.
Despite challenges, including financial considerations with an estimated cost of $16 billion, the HSR project holds promise for the region’s economic growth. Industry experts suggest that the project’s success could be reminiscent of the positive impact of the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway on tourism and regional development.
While the HSR project has seen feasibility assessments by German engineers and considerations for collaboration with Chinese companies, recent geopolitical tensions have shifted focus towards alternatives. Proposals for a semi-high-speed broad gauge line connecting Chennai and Bengaluru, with speeds of 220 kmph, also indicate a broader effort to enhance rail connectivity in the region.
As the project advances, the Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru HSR stands poised to revolutionize regional connectivity, providing a fast, efficient, and sustainable mode of transportation between these key South Indian cities.