By Kavita Mistry 
In a major boost to India’s high-speed transport ambitions, the Mumbai–Hyderabad High-Speed Rail (MHHSR) corridor is inching closer to reality. This 767 km proposed bullet train line will connect Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad through 11 key stations spread across Maharashtra and Telangana.
High-Speed Rail Corridor Highlights
This is the fifth out of six bullet train corridors announced by the Indian government in 2019. While construction is yet to begin, tendering for design and survey work started back in October 2020. The project remains fully in the planning stage, with no operational segments yet.
Tech Specs of the Bullet Train
- Top Speed: 350 km/h
- Operational Speed: 320 km/h
- Average Speed: 250 km/h
- Track Gauge: Standard (1435 mm)
- Traction: 25 kV AC (overhead catenary)
- Signalling: DS-ATC digital system
- Passenger Capacity: Approx. 750 per train
- Safety: Earthquake early warning system (UrEDAS)
Route and Proposed Stations
The bullet train will operate on a mix of elevated, underground, and at-grade tracks and follow key expressways and greenfield routes. The 11 proposed stations are:
- Bandra Kurla Complex (Mumbai)
- Navi Mumbai
- Lonavala
- Pune
- Kurkumb/Daund
- Akluj
- Pandharpur
- Solapur
- Kalaburagi (Gulbarga)
- Zaheerabad
- Hyderabad
The route could integrate with the Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR at Package C3 and may start near Thane.
Expected Ticket Price
While the exact fare is not announced, initial estimates suggest it will be 1.5 times the current AC First Class fare on Indian Railways—offering a premium yet accessible travel option.
Key Agencies and Tenders
- DPR Surveys: Highway Engineering Magnitude Consortium
- Traffic Study: PK Engineers
- General Drawings: Translink Consultants
- LiDAR & Alignment Design: Monarch Surveyors
- Utility Mapping: Chetak Engineers
- Social & Environmental Studies: Egis India & JS Environics
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is overseeing project progress and regularly shares updates.
With its potential to cut travel time drastically and boost intercity growth, the MHHSR corridor could redefine travel across western and southern India.