Hyderabad: The proposed semi-high-speed rail project aimed at reducing travel time between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam has reached a key planning stage. Officials have finalized the alignment for the rail corridor, which will run from Shamshabad to Visakhapatnam, passing through Suryapet and Vijayawada. An additional route is also planned, connecting Visakhapatnam to Kurnool via Suryapet, Nalgonda, Kalwakurthi, and Nagarkurnool.
The proposed route, set to be submitted to the Railway Board for approval in November, could become the first semi-high-speed rail in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with trains traveling at speeds up to 220 km/h. The corridor will also link Shamshabad and Rajahmundry, allowing passengers to travel from Hyderabad Airport to Visakhapatnam in under four hours—significantly faster than the current 12-hour journey or the Vande Bharat Express’ 8.5-hour timeframe.