NHSRCL has floated design bids for the Bengaluru-Chennai and Delhi-Varanasi bullet train corridors, advancing India's high-speed rail expansion. (Image generated using AI)Bullet train projects in India: The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has invited bids for the development of civil structure designs for the proposed Bengaluru-Chennai and Delhi-Varanasi bullet train corridors. The two corridors were announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 as part of the government’s next phase of high-speed rail expansion, alongside five other proposed routes: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai and Varanasi-Siliguri.Also Read | B35 bullet train project: NHSRCL begins capability assessment for 350 kmph high-speed train developmentDPR for bullet train corridors in IndiaIn a statement, NHSRCL said that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for four of the seven high-speed rail corridors announced earlier have already been sanctioned, while surveys are currently underway for the remaining three corridors. The corporation added that alignment validation and pre-tender Geotechnical Investigation (GTI) works are also in progress.According to NHSRCL, the seven proposed high-speed rail corridors will together span around 4,000 route km (RKM). “To take up such a large volume of work in fast pace, it is envisaged to adopt the best Design & Construction practices as adopted in MAHSR (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail) corridor with further advancement. Keeping in view of this, NHSRCL decided to take up the work of standardisation of designs of various structures,” the NHSRCL said.Also Read | Bullet train: 7 new high-speed rail corridors to attract Rs 16 lakh cr investment; here’s how it could transform train travelBengaluru-Chennai bullet train corridorThe proposed Bengaluru-Chennai bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to just 1 hour and 13 minutes. According to NHSRCL’s bid document, the corridor will feature three underground stations: Chennai, Whitefield and Baiyappanahalli.Among these, Chennai and Baiyappanahalli are planned as terminal stations, each with two platforms and six railway lines to accommodate high-speed train operations.Two island and two side platforms of 415m lengthNumber of lines – 6Cross-over length for 120 kmph speedTerminal StationOn the other hand, the Whitefield bullet train station is planned with two side platforms and one island platform, along with two railway lines, according to the bid document.Two side/ One island platform of 415m lengthNumber of lines – 2Cross-over length for 120kmph speedAll trains stoppingAccording to the bid document, the selected consultancy will also be responsible for designing three major tunnels along the Bengaluru-Chennai high-speed rail corridor. These include: the 3.87-km Chennai Terminal approach tunnel, the 14.79-km mountain tunnel through the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and the 15.92-km Bengaluru Terminal approach tunnel.Story continues below this adDelhi-Varanasi bullet train corridorThe proposed Delhi-Varanasi bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to just 3 hours and 50 minutes. According to NHSRCL’s bid document, the corridor will feature one underground station at Jewar. The proposed station will feature two island platforms and four railway lines.Two island platforms of 415m lengthNumber of lines – 4Cross-over length for 120kmph speedAll trains stoppingThe selected consultant will be responsible for preparing specifications, standards, and structural designs for underground stations, shafts, cut-and-cover sections, tunnels, and their ancillary structures along the high-speed rail corridors.The scope of work also includes planning and developing specifications, standards, and structural designs for earth structures required for the high-speed rail network.“The Design shall be safe, reliable, comfortable and cost-effective for operation of double track High-Speed Rail (HSR) at 320Kmph (Design speed = 350 Kmph) with due consideration to the site conditions including environmental, ground, materials etc,” it said.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More