Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared a major update regarding the high-speed rail network in Eastern India. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Varanasi-Siliguri Bullet Train is scheduled to be completed within the next six months. This project aims to connect Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal with a high-speed corridor, drastically reducing the travel time between Varanasi and Siliguri to just 2 hours and 55 minutes.
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Where will the station and track be built in Patna?
The project includes specific plans for the capital city of Bihar to manage traffic and connectivity. A 65 km long elevated track will be constructed specifically within the Patna district. This elevated corridor will be built at a height of 12 to 15 meters above the ground to avoid disturbing existing road traffic.
Officials have finalized the location for the new bullet train station in Patna. It will be constructed near AIIMS in Phulwari Sharif. This spot was chosen to ensure better accessibility while keeping the main city congestion-free. Apart from Patna, the train is expected to have stops at Buxar, Arrah (Bhojpur), and Katihar within Bihar.
Land acquisition and compensation details
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has started identifying the land required for the tracks. Approximately 138 hectares of land will be needed in the Patna district, covering about 60 villages in blocks like Danapur, Phulwarisharif, Sampatchak, and Masaurhi.
Key details for landowners and environment:
- Compensation: Landowners in rural areas will get 4 times the circle rate, while those in urban areas will receive 2 times the circle rate.
- Tree Transplantation: To protect the environment, officials plan to transplant roughly 3,885 trees instead of cutting them down.
- Speed: The train will run at a maximum speed of 350 km/h on a standard gauge track.