First tender launched for 240 km Amritsar–Jammu High-Speed Bullet Train Corridor

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major development toward expanding India’s bullet train network, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has invited bids for preparing the final alignment design of the Amritsar–Jammu High-Speed Rail Corridor (AJHSRC). The tender marks another key milestone in the country’s ambitious plan to develop a nationwide high-speed rail (HSR) network connecting major economic and cultural hubs.

According to the tender notice, NHSRCL has invited e-tenders from eligible firms to undertake the final alignment design work for the proposed Amritsar–Jammu corridor. The estimated cost of the contract is pegged at ₹5.47 crore.

The proposed Amritsar–Jammu High-Speed Rail Corridor will span approximately 240 kilometres, providing seamless and ultra-fast connectivity between two key cities in northern India. The corridor is envisioned to enhance regional accessibility, promote tourism, and support the economic integration of Punjab, Jammu, and the Kashmir Valley.

Once operational, the project is expected to:

• Reduce travel time significantly between Amritsar and Jammu

• Improve access to the Kashmir Valley and surrounding regions

• Boost tourism, trade, and logistics in northern India

• Strengthen India’s long-term goal of a multi-corridor bullet train network

Background and Context

The National Rail Plan (NRP) has identified multiple potential high-speed rail routes across India, including:

• Delhi – Varanasi High Speed Rail Corridor

• Delhi – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor

• Mumbai – Nagpur High Speed Rail Corridor

• Mumbai – Hyderabad High Speed Rail Corridor

• Chennai – Mysore High Speed Rail Corridor

• Delhi – Amritsar High Speed Rail Corridor

• Varanasi – Howrah High Speed Rail Corridor

The Amritsar–Jammu line will be a crucial northern extension of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra corridor, which has been under feasibility study as part of India’s long-term HSR expansion plan.

In South India, RITES Ltd., a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has initiated a feasibility study for the Hyderabad–Chennai High-Speed Rail Corridor, marking the region’s first proposed bullet train project. The study includes traffic analysis, demand forecasting, topographical surveys, and detailed alignment planning.

Progress of India’s Bullet Train Projects

India’s first high-speed rail project — the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR) — is already under advanced stages of construction. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the first operational bullet train section, connecting Surat to Bilimora, will begin commercial services in August 2027, with full project completion expected by December 2029.

The Amritsar–Jammu corridor, once finalized, will become part of India’s pan-national bullet train grid, reflecting the government’s focus on high-speed, sustainable, and world-class transportation infrastructure under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“The Amritsar–Jammu High-Speed Rail Corridor represents a crucial leap in India’s journey toward modern, high-speed connectivity. This corridor will bridge cultural and economic boundaries, enabling faster travel, regional integration, and new growth opportunities in North India. The NHSRCL’s steady progress reflects India’s commitment to building a future-ready transport network aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.”

Toward a Connected and Modern India

As India accelerates its bullet train initiatives, corridors such as Amritsar–Jammu, Delhi–Varanasi, and Hyderabad–Chennai will play a defining role in transforming the nation’s intercity mobility landscape. The expansion of HSR infrastructure also aligns with India’s goals for carbon-efficient, technology-driven, and globally competitive transportation systems.

With multiple feasibility studies underway and construction advancing on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route, India is poised to join the league of nations leading in next-generation high-speed rail innovation.