Hyderabad: The Union government has sanctioned a railway budget allocation of ₹5,454 crore for Telangana for the fiscal year 2026-27. This represents a marginal increase of ₹118 crore over the ₹5,336 crore provided in the 2024-25 budget period.
Significant Investment Commitment for Telangana
Announcing these figures, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the central government has lined up railway investments worth nearly ₹47,984 crore for various development initiatives across Telangana. The minister emphasized the substantial rise in funding by highlighting historical comparisons.
"The average annual railway outlay for the undivided Andhra Pradesh between 2009 and 2014 was just ₹886 crore," Vaishnaw stated. "The allocation to Telangana has seen nearly a six-fold increase compared to the average spending during 2009-14 for the combined state."
Comparative Analysis with Neighboring State
Despite this growth, Andhra Pradesh continues to receive significantly higher railway support. The neighboring state has been allocated ₹10,134 crore for 2026-27, with total railway investments pegged at around ₹92,000 crore. This financial commitment is nearly double the amount announced for Telangana.
Comprehensive Development Initiatives
Officials detailed that the ₹48,000-crore investment plan in Telangana will focus on multiple critical areas:
- Capacity expansion across railway networks
- Enhancement of passenger amenities and facilities
- Strengthening of freight corridors for improved logistics
- Modernization of railway stations throughout the state
- Construction of new railway lines to improve connectivity
- Upgrades to existing railway workshops and maintenance facilities
- Major infrastructure works at Kazipet junction, a key rail hub in the region
Station Redevelopment Progress
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of 40 railway stations in Telangana under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is progressing at a brisk pace. Officials confirmed that completion is targeted by 2027, promising enhanced facilities and modern amenities for passengers across the state.
High-Speed Regional Connectivity Project
In a significant development for regional transportation, travel between Hyderabad and Warangal could soon take less than an hour. The centre has proposed a Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor between the two cities, as flagged in the Economic Survey 2025-26.
Designed for speeds of 160-180 kmph, the RRTS aims to dramatically reduce travel time on this busy corridor. Warangal, already established as a key railway gateway to southern India, is expected to see stronger integration with Hyderabad through this high-speed link. This development promises to boost regional connectivity significantly and facilitate daily commuting between the two important urban centers.
The comprehensive railway investments and new transit proposals reflect the central government's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure in Telangana, supporting both economic growth and improved passenger experiences across the state.
