New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiling key initiatives under the Union Budget 2026, announced the development of seven high-speed rail corridors aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable passenger transport systems.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to green infrastructure, Sitharaman said, “We will develop 7 high-speed rail corridors between cities as growth connectors.” The corridors include Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Hyderabad to Chennai, Chennai to Bengaluru, Delhi to Varanasi, and Varanasi to Siliguri.
These new high-speed rail links are designed to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel times, and lower carbon emissions by offering a faster and greener alternative to road and air travel.
The Finance Minister emphasized that these corridors will act as economic growth drivers by linking major cities and emerging hubs, facilitating trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
This move aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainable development and infrastructure modernization, reflecting the government’s focus on integrating cutting-edge transport solutions to boost the nation’s competitiveness while addressing environmental concerns.
