News Flash Daily
28 February 
Track doubling and 130 kmph speed upgradation on Yelahanka–Dharmavaram corridor to transform Bengaluru–Hyderabad rail travel
Bengaluru: In a significant boost to inter-state rail connectivity, a major infrastructure upgrade on the Bengaluru–Hyderabad rail corridor is expected to be completed by March, paving the way for faster, smoother and more reliable train journeys. The ambitious project focuses on reducing travel time, increasing operational speeds, and strengthening rail links between Karnataka and Telangana, two of South India’s most economically significant states.
According to official sources, South Western Railway has successfully completed track doubling and speed upgradation works between Makajipalli and Dharmavaram. With these critical upgrades in place, the Yelahanka–Dharmavaram corridor is expected to support train speeds of up to 130 kmph by March, a move that will substantially accelerate Bengaluru–Hyderabad rail services and improve timetable efficiency.
Track Doubling Boosts Capacity and Speed
The railway authorities have commissioned 30 km of newly doubled track between Makajipalli and Dharmavaram in southern Andhra Pradesh, significantly enhancing both line capacity and operational speed. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has cleared the section for train operations at a maximum permissible speed of 110 kmph. During high-speed trial runs, trains were tested at speeds of up to 121 kmph, with monitoring systems confirming stable performance and no abnormal oscillations, officials said.
Infrastructure Milestone at Penukonda–Dharmavaram Section
In another key development, the Penukonda–Dharmavaram track doubling project has been fully completed, marking an important milestone in regional rail infrastructure. The project includes the construction of 66 minor bridges, 15 road underpasses, a pedestrian foot overbridge, and the expansion of the station yard with five operational lines, improving both safety and operational flexibility.
130 kmph Upgrade to Benefit Premium Trains
Railway sources further confirmed that work is progressing to increase the permissible speed to 130 kmph across the 161-km Yelahanka–Dharmavaram corridor, with completion targeted by March. Once operational, the upgrade will benefit several high-demand passenger services, most notably the Yeshwantpur–Kacheguda Vande Bharat Express, which is currently the fastest train on the Bengaluru–Hyderabad route.
“The completion of track doubling and speed enhancement works will significantly reduce travel time and improve service reliability on the Bengaluru–Hyderabad corridor,” a senior South Western Railway official said.
Passenger Impact and Regional Connectivity
For passengers, these upgrades are expected to shorten journey durations, enhance punctuality, and improve overall travel comfort. More importantly, the project strengthens rail connectivity between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh while addressing a long-pending demand for high-speed inter-city rail travel in the southern region.
Bengaluru–Hyderabad Rail Travel Overview
As of February 2026, approximately 20 to 22 trains connect Karnataka—primarily from Bengaluru and Mysuru—to Hyderabad. The rail distance ranges between 610 and 672 kilometres, with travel times varying from 8 to 19 hours, depending on the category of service.
Popular Trains on the Route
Vande Bharat Express (20704): The fastest option on the route, completing the journey in about 8 hours 15 minutes. It departs Yeshwantpur (YPR) at 2:45 pm and arrives at Kacheguda (KCG) at 11:00 pm, operating on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Rajdhani Express (22691): A daily premium service that departs KSR Bengaluru (SBC) at 8:00 pm and reaches Secunderabad (SC) at 7:05 am the next morning.
YPR–DEE Duronto Express (12213): A weekly service (Saturday) taking around 9 hours, departing Yeshwantpur at 11:40 pm and arriving at Secunderabad at 8:35 am.
Kacheguda Express (12786): A daily service leaving Kengeri (KGI) at 6:50 pm and reaching Kacheguda at 5:40 am.
Indicative Ticket Fares (February 2026)
- Sleeper Class (SL): Rs 365 – Rs 570
- 3rd AC (3A): Rs 800 – Rs 1,945
- 2nd AC (2A): Rs 1,360 – Rs 2,630
- 1st AC (1A): Rs 2,310 – Rs 3,455
- Vande Bharat Chair Car: Starting at around Rs 1,565
