New Delhi, April 15 -- Indian Railways is entering a new phase of speed, safety, and digital connectivity, backed by the highest-ever capital outlay in its history. The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated a record Rs 2,78,000 crore for the sector, underlining the "strategic importance accorded to rail development," according to an official release.

A big part of this vision is high-speed rail. The government has announced seven high-speed rail corridors as "growth connectors" to link major cities and regions. "These corridors are intended to integrate major cities and regions, facilitate efficient movement of people, and support economic interaction across states," the release said. Proposed routes include Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Varanasi, and...