How Will High-Speed Rail Corridors Transform Telangana's Economy?
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Hyderabad, Feb 1 (NationPress) Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy praised the announcement of three high-speed rail corridors connecting Hyderabad with other major cities in the recent Union Budget, asserting that this initiative will significantly boost Telangana’s economic growth.
After Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's presentation of the Union Budget for 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday, Kishan Reddy noted that seven high-speed rail corridors have been introduced nationwide as vital growth links.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman on behalf of Telangana's residents for the inclusion of the Hyderabad-Pune, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, and Hyderabad–Chennai corridors, emphasizing Hyderabad's central role in India's high-speed rail framework.
“These corridors will facilitate quicker travel, create job opportunities, stimulate economic activity, and propel Telangana’s economic growth, showcasing the Government’s steadfast dedication to sustainable and inclusive development for a Viksit Bharat,” Kishan Reddy stated on X.
In discussions with reporters in Delhi, he brushed aside criticisms from some political factions regarding the lack of funding for the expansion of Hyderabad Metro Rail, emphasizing that a dedicated budget will be allocated for it.
Reddy indicated that Metro Rail funding will be approved by the Cabinet. If a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is presented, the Ministry of Urban Development will allocate the necessary funds.
He asserted that Telangana stands to gain from numerous provisions announced in the Budget, highlighting that farmers will benefit from increased fertilizer subsidies. Furthermore, he mentioned a scheme that will support the Kakatiya Textile Park in Telangana.
The BJP leader pointed out that Telangana will receive 33 girls’ hostels as the Centre has pledged to establish a hostel in every district, and he believes that the tax holiday for data centers will also be advantageous for the state.
Moreover, he mentioned the reduction of interest rates on overseas education loans from 5 percent to 2 percent, which he stated would benefit Telugu students.
According to Reddy, the Union Budget has reinforced the essence of cooperative federalism by devolving 41 percent of the divisible tax pool, amounting to Rs 15.2 lakh crore for 2026-27.
He reported that Telangana's allocation for FY 2026–27 is Rs 33,180.78 crore, reflecting a significant 13.5 percent increase from Rs 29,280.24 crore in FY 2025–26.