"Revolutionizing Rail Travel: FM Sitharaman Unveils Plans for 7 High-Speed Bullet Train Corridors in Budget 2026"

India Unveils Ambitious High-Speed Rail Corridors Plan in Budget 2026

The Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, has put forth a groundbreaking proposal in the Budget 2026 to establish seven high-speed rail corridors across the country. These corridors, including Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bangalore, Hyderabad-Cheai, Cheai-Bangalore, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri, aim to revolutionize the transportation landscape in the nation.

Among these ambitious plans is the development of India's first bullet train network, with construction already underway on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasized the significant impact this project will have on the economy, foreseeing reduced travel times and enhanced coectivity between major cities.

"Imagine boarding a bullet train from Surat in the morning, traveling to Mumbai for work, and returning by evening - seamless coectivity like this will soon be a reality," Minister Vaishnaw remarked, highlighting the project's potential to benefit around one lakh individuals through direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Finance Minister Sitharaman also aounced plans to introduce a scheme aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing of construction and infrastructure equipment, further strengthening India's self-reliance in this critical sector. Additionally, the government remains committed to enhancing infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to foster balanced growth across the country.

With a continued focus on infrastructure development, the central government's initiatives have yielded significant economic benefits, driving growth, employment, and private investment. In the Union Budget 2024–25, a substantial allocation of Rs 11,11,111 crore was earmarked for capital expenditure, underscoring the government's dedication to propelling economic expansion through strategic investments.

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